Press release

Foreign Secretary statement on Venezuela

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson comments on the situation in Venezuela

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:

I am deeply saddened that nearly 100 people have died in protests in Venezuela since the end of March. The citizens of Venezuela deserve better and urgent action should be taken to stop matters from getting worse.

The UK calls on the Venezuelan Government to refrain from divisive and inflammatory action, including the plan to form a Constituent Assembly later this month. This will only further undermine confidence in the country’s democracy. Human rights, the rule of law, the separation of powers and the integrity of democratic institutions must be respected.

The UK joins with the Vatican, the neighbours of Venezuela and our European friends to urge the Government to enter constructive talks with the Opposition. I call on President Nicolas Maduro to change course and break the deadlock for the benefit of all Venezuelans.

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Published 27 July 2017