“On the initiative of Italy and France, a joint statement was drawn up on the situation in Venezuela, which is also signed by the German Chancellor, the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal and that of Spain” as stated in a communiqué from the government of Rome.

In more detail, this joint statement underlines:

“We are very concerned about the situation in Venezuela, after last Sunday’s presidential elections. We ask the authorities of this country to immediately make public all the electoral rolls, to guarantee the full transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The opposition says it compiled and published more than 80% of the voter lists, in every polling station. This verification is essential to recognize the will of the Venezuelan people.

The rights of all Venezuelan citizens, especially political leaders, must be respected during this process. We unequivocally condemn any arrest or threat against them.

The will of the Venezuelan people, as well as their right to protest and assemble peacefully, must be respected.”

We will continue to closely monitor the whole situation, together with our partners, and support the call of the Venezuelan people for democracy and peace.”