Canada calls on Venezuela's government to respect democratic rights

October 21, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is concerned by the decision of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council to suspend the presidential recall referendum. Canada strongly urges the Electoral Council to reverse its decision and allow Venezuelans to exercise their constitutional right to hold a recall referendum.

“Canada calls on all sides to react with restraint and to look for a lawful resolution to the serious crisis facing the country. We are concerned by ongoing arrests and detentions of political opponents and protestors. Canada calls on the Government of Venezuela to respect its international commitments to democracy and human rights, to release all political prisoners, and to engage in dialogue with the political opposition.”

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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