The G7 condemns the “lack of democratic legitimacy” of Maduro’s inauguration in Venezuela

MADRID Jan. 11 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The G7 Foreign Ministers have condemned in a joint statement “the lack of democratic legitimacy” of the inauguration of the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, which took place this Friday in the midst of controversy after the elections of July 28. , in which the opposition denounced fraud in the vote count and claimed victory.

“We, the foreign ministers of the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) and the High Representative of the European Union, denounce the lack of democratic legitimacy of the alleged investiture of Nicolás Maduro as president of Venezuela,” reads the note, whose signatories have also rejected “Maduro’s continued and repressive pursuit of power at the expense of the Venezuelan people.”

The countries of the group have also “strongly” deplored the repression that continues to take place, both at the social and political levels, against the opposition. Along these lines, they have defended that it is not typical of democratic systems that a political leader is “forced to seek refuge outside his homeland.”

The flight from Venezuela of the opposition candidate, Edmundo González, after the elections for fear of reprisals has been defined by the members of the G7 as an “unacceptable fact” that “highlights the urgent need for Venezuela to create an environment in which that democratic participation can flourish without fear.

Along these lines, they have joined the general concern of the international community about the state of Human Rights in the country, threatened by Maduro’s “persistent contempt” for democracy and the rule of law. “In particular, we are deeply concerned about arbitrary detentions and other abuses against civilians, including children, youth and activists, following the peaceful democratic protests that took place after the elections and continue to this day,” they added.

Thus, the G7 has advocated for a peaceful process of transition of power in which Venezuelans can negotiate and lead “a peaceful and democratic solution” for the country that respects “the democratic will of the Venezuelan people expressed in the July elections.” “.

This statement comes after Maduro took office this Friday at the headquarters of the National Assembly, thus beginning a third term that, he said, will be a “period of peace.”

Venezuela held presidential elections at the end of July in which the ruling party gave victory to Maduro, although the opposition denounced fraud in the vote count and claimed González’s victory, supported by part of the international community.