Statement from G7 Foreign Ministers on Venezuela
“We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and
the High Representative of the European Union, denounce the lack
of democratic legitimacy of today's purported inauguration of
Nicolás Maduro as president of Venezuela. We reject Maduro's
continued and repressive grasp at power at the expense of the
Venezuelan people, who voted for change peacefully and in large
numbers on July 28, 2024, according to independent observers and
publicly available electoral records.
“We also strongly condemn the ongoing repression of civil society
and members of the opposition in Venezuela, including opposition
leader María Corina Machado. In September, Edmundo González
Urrutia, for whom, according to most credible accounts, the
Venezuelan people voted by a significant majority on July 28,
2024, was forced to leave the country. In a democracy, no
political leader should be forced to seek refuge outside their
homeland. This unacceptable development underscores the urgent
need for an environment in Venezuela where democratic engagement
can flourish without fear of reprisal.
“We share the alarm expressed by Venezuelans and the
international community over the persistent disregard by Maduro
of the principles of democratic governance, rule of law and human
rights. In particular, we are deeply troubled by the arbitrary
arrests and other abuses of civilians, including children, youths
and activists, following the peaceful democratic protests which
occurred after the election and which continue to this day.
“We are concerned by the continuing repercussions on stability
and prosperity in the region, including in neighbouring
countries. Venezuelans, confronted with a humanitarian crisis and
state repression, continue to flee the country in search of
better living conditions and safety.
“A peaceful, democratic, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution
is needed to resolve this crisis. We remain committed to working
with Venezuelans and the international community to ensure that
the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the
July election, is respected and a peaceful transition of power
process is established.”
