Q COSTA RICA – Costa Rica joined Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Paraguay in condemning the situation in Venezuela, denouncing Venezuelan authorities’ “excessive use of force” against civilian protesters.
On Thursday Costa Rica recalled its highest-level diplomat in Venezuela, charge d’affaires Ana Patricia Villalobos, for consultations.
“We deplore the deterioration of the domestic situation and the resurgence of violence in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the statement said, “which has left an increasing number of dead and hundreds injured since April 6.”
“We condemn the excessive use of force by Venezuelan authorities against the civilian population that marches to protest against government measures affecting democratic stability, which further polarizes Venezuelan society and leads to the loss of human lives, mostly young people.”
In recent weeks, President Nicolás Maduro has mercilessly repressed all of the opposition’s demonstrations. The violence has left more than 30 dead, hundreds injured and thousands under arrest.
Communiqué on the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Paraguay deplore the deterioration of the internal situation and the resurgence of violence in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which since April 6 has left a growing number Of dead and hundreds of wounded.
We condemn the excessive use of force by the Venezuelan authorities against the civilian population that marches to protest against government measures that affect democratic stability, further polarize Venezuelan society and cause the loss of human lives, mostly Of young people.
We make a strong call to the Venezuelan government to respect the human rights of its citizens, as contemplated in its Constitution.
As a current member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the obligation to apply the highest standards on the promotion and protection of human rights in fulfillment of the commitments and obligations arising from international treaties. The topic has been endorsed and ratified.
Within the framework of unrestricted adherence to the rule of law and to stabilize the situation in Venezuela, we reiterate the importance of fulfilling the electoral calendar, releasing political prisoners, restoring the functions of the democratically elected National Assembly, and ensuring separation Of powers.
Finally, we call on all sectors not to endorse actions that generate more violence and express our conviction that the time has come to finalize an inclusive national agreement that provides a lasting solution to the critical situation in Venezuela.
May 4, 2017
