Borrell regrets that “today is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela” due to the departure of Edmundo González

He reveals that the opposition candidate was under the “hospitality” of the Netherlands until Thursday

BRUSSELS, September 8 () –

The High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, has stated that “today is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela” due to the departure from the country of opposition leader Edmundo González, taking into account that “he appears to be the winner of the presidential elections (of July 28), by a large majority.”

Borrell has revealed that González, a victim of “repression, political persecution and direct threats” by the Chavista authorities, enjoyed the “hospitality” of the Dutch Embassy until Thursday, September 5.

According to Borrell’s statement, González “had to request political asylum and accept the protection offered by Spain.” Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares admitted that the opposition candidate had been in the ambassador’s residence for “some time,” while Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez spoke of “several days.”

The European High Representative stressed that “in a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek asylum in another country.” Therefore, “the EU insists that the Venezuelan authorities put an end to the repression, arbitrary arrests and harassment against members of the opposition and civil society, as well as to release all political prisoners.”

“The EU will continue to support the Venezuelan population in its democratic aspirations,” Borrell added.