Finding that the election of its rival Luis Parra was not legitimate, the International Contact Group (GIC) on Venezuela has recognized the opponent Juan Guaido as President of the Parliament, the body announced in a statement published on Thursday. in Brussels.
"We support Juan Guaido as President of the National Assembly," said the group, which "reaffirms (its) commitment to actively support sincere efforts for a peaceful and democratic resolution of the crisis in Venezuela". He added that the election of Luis Parra "cannot be considered legitimate or democratic".
Parliamentarians prevented from entering the Chamber
The GIC brings together European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and Latin Americans (Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama). Uruguay, a member of the group, did not join the statement. The group expressed its "deep concern at the actions against the democratic and constitutional functioning of the National Assembly". During the renewal of the presidency of the Parliament on Wednesday, parliamentarians were prevented from entering the hemicycle, recalls the GIC.
After having forced the passage to the perch, the Venezuelan opponent Juan Guaido was finally sworn in as president. While he was kept outside, a rival, Luis Parra, had proclaimed himself the new President of the National Assembly by a show of hands and with the support of the elected officials loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, although he claims to be in opposition.
Juan Guaido claims his status as interim president
"These events, as well as the continuing intimidation and reprisals against members of the National Assembly, democratically elected by the Venezuelan people, further aggravate the crisis, creating more obstacles to the peaceful return to democracy and the State of right, ”says the GIC.
In its showdown with the opposition, the Chavist power deprived the National Assembly of all its legislative powers three years ago. Its decisions are systematically quashed by the Supreme Court. Juan Guaido takes advantage of his status as President of the Parliament to continue to claim that of Acting President, which nearly 60 countries recognize him, and lead his "fight" against Nicolas Maduro.
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