UK says urgent action needed to stop Venezuela situation worsening
LONDON (Reuters) – Urgent action must be taken in Venezuela to stop the situation getting worse, British Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman said on Monday, calling on the South American country’s government to respect democracy and human rights.
Some 120 people have been killed during four months of sustained anti-government protests in Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro has faced international pressure to dismantle a newly created pro-government constituent assembly which has been condemned as a power grab.
“It is a tragedy that so many people have lost their lives in protests in Venezuela. We’re clear that urgent action must be taken to stop the situation getting worse,” May’s spokesman told reporters.
He said Britain had condemned the Maduro government for forcing through a constituent assembly that “clearly does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people”.
“The UK has repeatedly called on the Maduro government to work with the opposition, release political prisoners and show respect for democracy and human rights,” he said.
British Labour Party’s socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Monday there needed to be dialog to stop growing violence in Venezuela but declined to condemn Maduro.
Corbyn has been under pressure at home to speak out about the situation in the South American nation amid international criticism of Maduro who once described the British politician as “a great friend of Venezuela.” “There has to be a dialog and a process that respects the independence of the judiciary and respects the human rights of all,” Corbyn told broadcasters.
Asked if he condemned Maduro’s actions, he said: “What I condemn is the violence that’s been done by any side. Violence is not going to solve the issues.”
The predawn raid coincided with a video circulated on social media showing more than a dozen men in military uniform announcing an uprising to restore constitutional order following the creation of a pro-government legislative superbody on Friday.
In his weekly televised show, the unpopular socialist leader condemned the attackers as “mercenaries.” He said around 20 armed men had entered the Fort of Paramacay near Valencia, about two hours west of capital Caracas, before dawn, surprising guards and making straight for the weapons cache.
Two of the attackers were killed in a firefight with soldiers, Maduro said. Socialist party officials said eight others were arrested, including at least three from the military, while the remainder made off with weapons.
In Valencia, hundreds took to the streets to support what at first appeared to be a small military uprising, said resident Carolina Herrera, who like other witnesses reported shots through the night. Hooded protesters were also dispelled with tear gas, while the rest of the nation of 30 million people appeared mostly calm.