Andina

Peru: Lima Group reiterates call on Venezuela to allow access for humanitarian aid

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

14:25 | Lima, Jul. 17.

The Governments of Peru and other nine Lima Group countries on Tuesday reiterated their call on Venezuela to open a humanitarian channel in order to help its citizens receive health and food assistance.

In a joint statement, these nations agreed that Venezuelans —who are still crossing borders— need to be assisted promptly.

Likewise, they condemned the "rupture of constitutional order and of the rule of law" in the neighboring country, which is reflected in the loss of democratic institutions, as well as the lack of guarantees and political freedoms for all citizens.

In addition, the bloc refused to recognize the legitimacy and credibility of Venezuelan elections, held on May 20, as they failed to meet international standards. 

On the other hand, Lima Group countries called on the Bolivarian nation to engage in a genuine national dialogue with all political actors in order to hold new elections relying on freedom, justice, and transparency.

They also expressed their deep concern over the serious human rights violations in Venezuela, reported by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

Among other topics, they recognized the Organization of American States' (OAS) recent resolution on the Venezuelan situation. It seeks to support democracy's restoration in the said country, within the framework of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

The document was inked by government representatives of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. 

(END) NDP/CCR/JAA/MVB

Published: 7/17/2018