The EU Commissioner for Crisis Management sees room to review sanctions on Venezuela if there are democratic advances

BRUSSELS, Oct. 11 (EUROPE PRESS) –

The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, has indicated this Tuesday that the European Union is “open” to considering the sanctions it applies to Venezuela if democratic progress is made in the country, as substantial steps in the process of negotiations between the Government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition to hold democratic elections.

In an interview granted to Europa Press on the occasion of the trip that begins this Tuesday to Colombia and Panama to strengthen humanitarian cooperation with the Latin American region, the head of Crisis Management has assured that the restrictive measures imposed on Venezuela are “reversible and scalable” , depending on the evolution of the democratic situation, the rule of law and human rights in the country.

“Of course, we are open to reviewing our restrictive measures in the event that there is concrete and substantial progress in the negotiations (with the opposition), which includes the path towards better electoral processes for the organization of credible, inclusive and democratic presidential and legislative elections. transparent,” added the Slovenian commissioner.

In any case, the sanctions policy remains in the hands of the Twenty-seven and any change would need their approval, although in recent weeks the rapprochement of the United States with Venezuela, including an exchange of prisoners, and the need for energy security due to war in Ukraine has opened the debate on a possible relaxation of sanctions.

Regarding the refugee crisis in Venezuela, Lenarcic has not hesitated to describe the situation as “very worrying” and has indicated that it is a humanitarian crisis that impacts the entire region. In any case, she has recalled the role of the EU as the main humanitarian donor, with a contribution of 315 million euros to date to alleviate the situation of Venezuelans both in the country and in host communities. “In 2022 alone, this funding amounts to €77 million. We will stay the course and continue to support based on humanitarian needs,” said the commissioner.

PETRO’S CONCRETE STEPS FOR PEACE

The person in charge of humanitarian aid of the European Commission begins his trip in Colombia, a country from which he values ​​the efforts of its authorities to advance peace and reconciliation. In particular, he has praised the commitment and “concrete steps” taken by new President Gustavo Petro to unite Colombian society after decades of conflict. “He gives hope not only to Colombia but to the entire region,” he assured.

Asked about the start of peace talks between the Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) scheduled for November, the Slovenian politician applauded the resumption of contacts. “The European Union has always been a strong supporter of the peacebuilding process, at all levels.” This is an important milestone towards lasting peace and stability throughout Colombia after the historic Final Peace Agreement of 2016 “, he has valued.

Another of these concrete actions is the reopening of the border with Venezuela and the return of flights between Bogotá and Caracas, while Lenarcic has stressed the decision of the Colombian authorities to provide temporary protection for Venezuelan refugees. This is an important step since, as the commissioner recalls, Colombia hosts 2.4 million migrants and refugees who live in a situation of poverty and vulnerability.

Lenarcic’s next stop on his Latin American tour is Panama, where he will inaugurate an EU humanitarian reserve, in the region with which the bloc wants to deploy a more agile response to crisis situations such as the recent hurricane ‘Ian’ that shook the island from Cuba.

This model follows the same scheme of the reserves launched in Europe to respond to the coronavirus crisis. “This EU aid stockpile abroad will be used to preposition equipment such as shelter material, first aid kits, food and sanitation items for delivery directly within the region when crises such as natural disasters occur,” explains the commissioner. “This is expected to greatly speed up the delivery of aid. It is an EU-coordinated reserve and will be used for our response efforts in the region,” he adds.

The backdrop for Lenarcic’s visit to the area is to deepen relations with Latin America, a region close in democratic values ​​and with a great economic relationship with the EU but which does not always receive attention in Brussels, something that community diplomacy aspires to change as a result of the war in Ukraine.

“It only makes sense for us to strengthen relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean at a time when international law and global stability are at greatest risk since the end of World War II. This is essential for cooperation in humanitarian issues, but also in trade and economic associations”, reflects the commissioner.