Written question asked by Kerry McCarthy (Labour) on Thursday, 27 March 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 April 2014 (named day). It was answered by Lord Swire (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 April 2014 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Venezuela

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the UK is taking to promote peaceful dialogue in Venezuela between the government and of that country and political opponents.

Answer

As I said in my statement of 26 March, I am deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. I am saddened by the deaths that have occurred, and condemn all acts of violence.

We have called for all sides to take steps to avoid confrontation, reduce tensions and to create the right conditions for genuine dialogue to take place. I have written to the Venezuelan Government to convey this message and offered the UK's assistance in the reconciliation process. I have spoken to ministerial colleagues in the region, both during my visit to South America and during the Union of South .American Nations (UNASUR) commission's visit, to encourage their governments to help promote dialogue in Venezuela. Our embassy in Caracas urges peaceful dialogue through its contacts with a range of actors in Venezuelan society.

A commission of foreign ministers from the UNASUR group of countries visited Caracas 26-27 March to support and advise on dialogue between the parties. I welcome this positive first visit which involved meetings with a range contacts, including with President Maduro, opposition leaders and civil society representatives.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 194197; 578 c602W
Session: 2013-14
Subjects: Politics and government Venezuela
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Venezuela

Secondary information

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