Canada welcomes OAS resolution on crisis in Venezuela

February 24, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the adoption of a resolution by the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States calling on the Government of Venezuela to take all necessary actions to guarantee a free, fair, transparent, and legitimate electoral process. The passing of a strong resolution demonstrates the hemisphere’s shared commitment to upholding the principles of democracy in our region.

“Through this resolution and other statements, the international community has been clear: the Maduro regime’s unilateral decision to hold presidential elections on April 22 that exclude opposition parties has undermined the electoral process. The proposal to move parliamentary elections forward to the same date, and with the same restrictions, would run the risk of further undermining Venezuela’s entire democratic system.

“Canada remains seized by the Maduro regime’s ongoing assault on the rights of the Venezuelan people. We are also deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian situation and its increasing impact on neighbouring countries.

“Canada stands firm with our partners throughout the Americas, in the OAS, and in the Lima Group, in defending the rights of all Venezuelans, and in particular, their right to participate in a credible electoral process.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
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