The European Union stopped recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela on Wednesday after the National Assembly’s mandate expired on Tuesday, although it has indicated its intention to work with him and other Venezuelan leaders to create a find a peaceful solution to the political crisis.
In a statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, assured that the EU will liaise “with all political and civil society actors to bring democracy back to Venezuela, in particular Juan Guaidó and other representatives of Venezuela. the outgoing National Assembly “.
While the EU recognizes that the National Assembly elected in 2015 is the last free speech of Venezuelans in an electoral process, the EU avoids support for the extension of Guaidó’s mandate as president of the chamber and thus as president.
In December, the Twenty-Seven decided not to recognize the outcome of the legislative elections in Venezuela as they failed to meet “minimum” international standards and gave themselves a month to determine their relationship with the National Assembly.
In this sense, Borrell “deeply” regrets that the National Assembly took its mandate this Tuesday after elections that were not democratic. Likewise, it has reiterated its commitment to an inclusive national dialogue that allows for a political solution to the crisis in Venezuela, which involves holding local, parliamentary and presidential elections.
The EU calls on the Venezuelan authorities and their leaders to prioritize the interests of the Venezuelan people and unite to begin a transition led by Venezuelans that will allow a peaceful, inclusive and lasting solution to the crisis “added the High Representative. who reiterated the EU’s readiness to support that process.
PARALLEL MEETINGS
Last Tuesday, the ‘Chavismo’ and the opposition led by Juan Guaidó started their respective meetings in parallel events, with each of the two parties claiming themselves as legitimate representatives of Venezuela and appealing to an international community equally divided on the situation . politics of the country.
Guaidó, who in January 2019 declared himself ‘president in charge’ of the country, claiming on the contrary his legitimacy against President Nicolás Maduro, has launched a fresh call for ‘unity’ to face what he sees as a latest attempt at the “usurpation” that the current government would represent.