July 30, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the situation in Venezuela:

“Canada denounces and condemns today’s significant and undemocratic action by the Venezuelan regime. This constituent assembly will further escalate tensions in the country by robbing the Venezuelan people of their fundamental democratic rights.

“Canada laments the loss of life and escalating violence that resulted from today's undemocratic vote. We once again appeal for calm and for constructive negotiations.

“Despite repeated calls by member states of the Organization of American States and the international community, including Canada, to cancel the national constituent assembly, President Maduro and his government chose to take another step down the path to institutionalize authoritarian rule in Venezuela. Individuals who are undermining democracy and human rights in Venezuela should be held accountable for their actions.

“The selection process—established by the government—for the national constituent assembly was undemocratic. Venezuela must uphold the rights enshrined in the UN Charter and in human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.

“Canada again calls on the Government of Venezuela to honour its international obligations and immediately release all political prisoners, restore the constitutional rights of Venezuelans and set an electoral calendar. The government must enter into meaningful negotiations with the opposition to meet these obligations without delay.”

Quick facts

On July 5, 2017, the Venezuelan National Assembly endorsed plans to hold a national plebiscite on July 16 to let Venezuelans have their say on the government’s plan to establish a constituent assembly.

On July 16, millions of Venezuelans voted overwhelmingly to reject the government’s proposal to establish a constituent assembly.

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