Statement by Lima Group on power outage in Venezuela

Spanish version

(Unofficial translation from Spanish)

“The governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru, members of the Lima Group, stand in solidarity with the millions of Venezuelans affected by the continuing power outage, which has exceeded 50 hours. The lack of electricity has caused the death of 18 people in hospitals and clinics. The outage has also affected the daily lives of the Venezuelan people in innumerable ways, adding to the hardships that they have been suffering for years. This situation underscores the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis that the Maduro regime continues to refuse to recognize.

“We hold the illegitimate Maduro regime exclusively responsible for the collapse of the Venezuelan electrical system.

“We reiterate our support for Interim President Juan Guaidó and the National Assembly. Only a legitimate government established by free and democratic elections can carry out the reconstruction of the country’s institutions, infrastructure and economy. This work is required for Venezuelans to regain their dignity, their civil liberties and respect for their human rights following years of repression and denial.”