EU urges sides in Venezuela conflict to end clashes peacefully

European Union (EU) foreign ministers have called on the government and the opposition in Venezuela to abstain from violence and seek a peaceful solution to the clashes on the streets, which have left nearly 40 people killed.

"Violence and the use of force will not resolve the crisis in the country," said a statement by EU foreign ministers after their meeting in Brussels on Monday.

The statement added that all sides in Venezuela needed to work towards a settlement, which would allow "the establishment of an electoral calendar."

The EU urged Venezuela’s government to allow peaceful protests in the country.   

"The fundamental rights of the Venezuelan people must be respected, including the right to peacefully demonstrate,” said the EU statement, adding that an alleged government decision to "expand and further strengthen armed civilian groups is worrying as it can fuel further violence and does not contribute to a solution.”

The EU also said that it was ready to cooperate with Caracas to ensure the protection and security of more than 600,000 European citizens in Venezuela.

SS