“There are people who believe that enforcing the MERCOSUR democratic clause means an automatic expulsion, but this is not so. There is a misunderstanding. Last Saturday, Argentina, holding the Pro Tempore Presidency, convened the Foreign Ministers of the Member States pursuant to the provisions of the Protocol of Ushuaia, known as the democratic clause, and we discussed Venezuela’s situation in the light of the serious recent events,” stated Malcorra before arriving at Washington to participate in the OAS Permanent Council meeting.
“On Saturday we agreed to act in accordance with this protocol: working with all the parties from Venezuela to understand the state of affairs first and to help to address central issues: election calendar, separation of powers and political prisoners. This is just a roadmap and the Pro Tempore Presidency of our bloc has to establish a relationship with Venezuela and try to determine how to move forward with these issues as set forth in the Protocol of Ushuaia,” Malcorra explained.
In statements to the radio press, the Foreign Minister added: “MERCOSUR has enforced the democratic clause. This enforcement, as set forth in the Protocol, defines exactly what I pointed out: an internal consultation between the parties, then a consultation with the State involved and if no progress is made towards the resolution of the issues at stake, a decision may be subsequently taken.”
The Argentine Foreign Minister also stated: “What made us move forward was, in part, the decision that Maduro took on Saturday. When we met, this issue had been solved, in theory, because the executive had instructed the judiciary to solve it. This proved to be not only an interference of the judiciary in the powers of the legislative branch, but also an interference of the executive in the powers of the judiciary. All this is conclusive evidence that democratic institutions are not working.”
“President Macri has always expressed his concern about Venezuela’s situation, and that enforcing the democratic clause was a peremptory measure. He instructed us to move forward in this direction. There have been different views on when to enforce this clause. The events that unfolded led us to enforce the clause, and so we did,” Malcorra stated.
As regards today’s regional meeting, the Argentine Foreign Minister pointed out: “The OAS convened a Council meeting upon Canada’s request, because the Secretary General submitted a new report on the general situation of the OAS. And then the recent events took place in Venezuela. The procedure of the OAS differs from that of MERCOSUR. The Council has to decide whether to convene the General Assembly, which is its supreme body, in order to finally adopt a decision on whether to apply the Democratic Charter or not.”
“I have been given a mandate by the Foreign Ministers of MERCOSUR to represent MERCOSUR at the OAS. Under this unprecedented measure, we will express the view of MERCOSUR at the OAS, because we find it necessary to monitor the situation and stay close to ensure, above all, that the electoral calendar is prioritized and complied with,” Malcorra concluded.
Press Release: Nº107/17
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