EU: The only way forward for Venezuela is to respect the will of the people

The European Union, with the exception of Hungary, has called for restraint and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people as the only way to restore democracy in the country.

The joint statement by the 26 Member States and the head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, states that all actors must respect human rights and international humanitarian law.

At the same time, the Union calls for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela. It also recalls that its consular services are cooperating to protect the security of EU citizens, including those detained in the country.

The EU stressed that it has a common goal of combating transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, which it considers a global security threat.

(reuters, mja)