Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on latest developments in Venezuela

On 23 January, the people of Venezuela have massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny. These voices cannot be ignored.

The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the Constitutional order.

The EU fully supports the national assembly as the democratically elected institution whose powers need to be restored and respected.

The civil rights, freedom and safety of all members of the National Assembly, including its President, Juan Guaidó, need to be observed and fully respected.

Violence and the excessive use of force by security forces are completely unacceptable, and will for sure not resolve the crisis. The Venezuelan people have the right to peacefully demonstrate, to freely chose its leaders and decide its future.

The European Union and its member states remain ready to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela through a credible peaceful political process in line with the Venezuelan constitution.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro* and Albania*, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.