Concerned at Reported Violence in Venezuela, Secretary-General Supports Effort by Union of South American Nations to Help Country Overcome Challenges

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned by new reports of violence and loss of life in Venezuela.  He has noted the Government’s stated willingness to undertake a full investigation.

The Secretary-General has also taken note of the call made on 20 February by the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the building of a democratic space for dialogue in Venezuela.

The Secretary-General supports the current efforts of the Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to re-launch the dialogue between the Government and members of the opposition, initiated in April 2014 and supported by UNASUR and the Holy See, to help the country overcome its current challenges and guarantee the human rights of all Venezuelans.  In this connection, he welcomes the UNASUR Secretary General’s announcement of an upcoming visit to Venezuela by a delegation of UNASUR foreign ministers.