Venezuela crisis needs to be resolved

Norway and a number of other countries have made it clear that the presidential election in May 2018 was not carried out in accordance with international standards for free and fair elections. Norway expects the Government of Venezuela to respect the role and mandate of the National Assembly as set out in the constitution.  

‘We reiterate our call for democratic rights to be respected and new elections to be held, and support the people of Venezuela in their struggle for democracy. We have consistently expressed our support for Mr Juan Guiadó as the legitimately elected President of the National Assembly. Norway has a tradition of recognising countries, not governments. Successive Norwegian governments have taken this approach,’ Ms Eriksen Søreide said.

Norway urges the parties to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, and is in dialogue with the various actors in Venezuela. The country is facing political, economic and humanitarian challenges. In 2018, Norway provided more than NOK 50 million to alleviate humanitarian needs in Venezuela.   

‘We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation and are providing humanitarian aid both within Venezuela and to Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the region. The parties must reach an agreement to resolve the political crisis so that credible, free elections can be held,’ said Ms Eriksen Søreide.