Admin I Thursday, July 06, 2017
WASHINGTON – The United States has described as unacceptable attacked on the Venezuelan National Assembly by supporters of President Nicolas Maduro.
According to Aljazeera, four opposition lawmakers were injured including two journalists when civilian government supporters invaded the building with guns.
In a statement, Department Spokesperson, Heather Nauert said the violence, perpetrated during the celebration of Venezuela’s independence is an assault on the democratic principles cherished by the men and women who struggled for Venezuela’s independence 206 years ago today
The US called on the Venezuelan government to immediately provide for the protection of the National Assembly and ensure that those injured in the attack are able to receive medical attention, and bring the attackers to justice.
The US called on all sides in Venezuela to refrain from violence, stressing that the government of Venezuela must live up to commitments it made in the Vatican-facilitated dialogue process last fall to hold free, fair, and credible elections immediately, respect the constitution and the National Assembly, provide for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.
See full statement below
“The United States condemns the July 5 attack on members of the Venezuelan National Assembly by armed supporters of the government of President Nicolas Maduro. This violence, perpetrated during the celebration of Venezuela’s independence, is an assault on the democratic principles cherished by the men and women who struggled for Venezuela’s independence 206 years ago today.
“We call on the Venezuelan government to immediately provide for the protection of the National Assembly, ensure those injured in today’s attack are able to receive medical attention, and bring the attackers to justice. We urge all sides in Venezuela to refrain from violence.
“The United States deplores the Venezuelan government’s increasing authoritarianism, and the convocation of a National Constituent Assembly designed to undermine Venezuela’s democratic institutions, including the National Assembly.
“We join nations across the hemisphere and call upon the government of Venezuela to live up to commitments it made in the Vatican-facilitated dialogue process last fall to hold free, fair, and credible elections immediately, respect the constitution and the National Assembly, provide for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and tend to the humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people”, the US said.
