EPP and EPP Group Joint Presidency Resolution on the Worsening Political Situation in Venezuela

EPP and EPP Group Joint Presidency Resolution on the Worsening Political Situation in Venezuela

On 24 June 2015, the Presidencies of the European People’s Party (EPP) and the EPP Group in the European Parliament held their first joint meeting. Due to the worsening political situation in Venezuela, the two Presidencies adopted the following resolution:

The European People’s Party (EPP) is following with grave concern the situation in Venezuela, especially the government’s systematic repression of political opposition and abuse of human rights. In light of the worsening political and economic conditions in Venezuela, the EPP:

1. Deplores the Maduro government’s ongoing crackdown on political opposition, use of violence against protestors and manipulation of the judicial system for its own political advantage;

2. Notes that moderate and centre-right forces in the country, including those aligned with the core values and political views of the EPP family, have particularly suffered from the actions of the Maduro government;

3. Is appalled by the continued imprisonment or detention of prominent opposition figures such as Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos, and Antonio Ledezma, as well as the many young people and students who are imprisoned and on hunger strikes along with many other political prisoners, and condemns the harsh treatment to which many have been subjected. The EPP is particularly concerned about the welfare of Leopoldo López, who had recently been on a hunger strike;

4. Calls on the Venezuelan government to immediately release all political prisoners, including Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos and Antonio Ledezma;

5. Takes note of the recent decision of the authorities, following a lengthy delay, to hold parliamentary elections on 6 December, and expects the government to follow through with this commitment by allowing the elections to take place in a fair and transparent manner;

6. Implores the EU institutions and Member States to closely follow the situation in Venezuela and to defend democratic values by taking appropriate actions in response to the ongoing events in the country. Along these lines, the EPP supports the delegation of the EU Parliament to Venezuela next month.