Corbyn refuses to condemn Maduro
JEREMY CORBYN has condemned the “violence” inflicted by all sides during the crisis in Venezuela, but failed to criticise president Nicolas Maduro despite mounting pressure.
The Labour leader called for “dialogue and a process” to improve the situation in the South American oil producer.
He said it was important to recognise the “effective and serious attempts” to reduce poverty, improve literacy and the lives of the poorest in the state.
Mr Corbyn has been urged to personally condemn Mr Maduro, accused of behaving like the “dictator of an evil regime” by the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
Speaking in Crawley, West Sussex, Mr Corbyn said: “I’m very sad at the lives that have been lost in Venezuela. The people who have died, either those on the streets or security forces that have been attacked by people on the street – all of those lives are terrible for the loss of them.
“There has to be a dialogue and a process that respects the independence of the judiciary and respects the human rights of all.”
Asked whether he condemned Mr Maduro’s actions, Mr Corbyn said: “What I condemn is the violence that’s been done by any side, by all sides, in all this. Violence is not going to solve the issue.
“The issues in Venezuela are partly structural because not enough has been done to diversify the economy away from oil – that has to be a priority for the future.”
Pressed on whether he regretted supporting Mr Maduro when he was elected, he said: “I gave the support of many people around the world for the principle of a government that was dedicated towards reducing inequality and improving the life chances of the poorest people.”