European Union calls for ‘peaceful transition to democracy’ in Venezuela

“You will have access to the wealth stolen from you”, Trump tells Venezuelans The member countries of the European Union released, this Sunday (4), a joint declaration defending a peaceful transition to democracy led by Venezuelans. The statement was not supported by Hungary. “Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis,” the statement added. The group also reaffirmed that Nicolás Maduro “does not have the legitimacy of a democratically elected president”. The bloc calls for “calm and moderation on all sides” and reinforces that the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected, according to Reuters news agency. “We maintain close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners, to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved,” the EU said. The secretary general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, also warned that the case raises “serious questions from the point of view of international law”, according to the France Press news agency. “As a multilateral regional organization dedicated to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the Council of Europe considers that any use of force on the territory of another State raises serious questions in the light of international law, in particular, the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter on sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference,” it said in a statement. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces, Berset warned of the risk of “worsening polarization in Venezuela, across the region and on a global scale, between those who condemn a serious violation of international law and those who consider it justified.” “Whether it is regime change or foreign influence, too often a double standard applies, dictated by strategic interests or ideological affinities rather than by shared and coherent legal principles,” Berset wrote. “International law is universal or it makes no sense. A world governed by exceptions, by double standards, or by rival spheres of influence is a more dangerous world”, he insisted. American President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (3) that the United States intends to “lead” the transition in Venezuela, while the secretary general of the Council of Europe called for a transition that is “peaceful, democratic and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people”. Read also: Rubio says the US will not govern Venezuela, but will use an oil blockade to pressure the country Who is Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of Venezuela recognized by the Armed Forces Maduro walks along the tarmac shortly after arriving in New York

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