The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay, member states of UNASUR, condemn the situation triggered by the ruling of the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice affecting Venezuela’s National Assembly and the parliamentarians elected by popular vote in December 2015.
The announcement about the Tribunal assuming the powers of the Legislative Branch, as well as the decision to limit the powers of the National Assembly and restrict its members’ parliamentary immunity, are alarming and constitute an attack on the principles and essential values of representative democracy and on the separation and independence of, and respect for, public powers, which are the mainstays of the rule of law.
The countries of the region reiterate our urgent call for the Government of Venezuela to effectively move forward in applying concrete measures agreed on with the opposition in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to guarantee effective separation of powers, respect for the rule of law and human rights, and for democratic institutions.
While reiterating our willingness to cooperate with the people and Government of Venezuela in any way that may contribute to a peaceful and lasting solution to social, humanitarian and economic conflicts, we call for a prompt reestablishment of democratic order in the country for the well-being of the entire fraternal people of Venezuela.
We will remain watchful of the events in Venezuela to adopt any other relevant collective political and institutional decisions.
Press Release: Nº103/17
Press Office: 4819-7375 / 8296 / 7388
@CancilleriaAR