The undersigned countries, meeting in Santo Domingo de Guzmán, appeal for wisdom and restraint in Venezuela. At this decisive juncture for Venezuela and the region, all social and political actors must exercise the utmost restraint in their public actions.
Acceptance and respect for the dignity and integrity of all individuals are essential principles upon which peaceful coexistence in societies is built. The signatories urge respect for democratic principles, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Venezuelans, particularly the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. They express concern that these conditions currently do not exist in Venezuela. Reports of arbitrary detentions without due process are alarming, prompting an urgent call for the immediate release of detainees.
The statement condemns the repression of protesters and violence that has claimed many lives in the post-election context. It calls on Venezuelan authorities to end the violence and release all those detained, including opposition representatives.
Additionally, there is a request for the immediate return of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Venezuela to ensure it can fully carry out its mandate.
The statement also calls on Venezuela to comply with provisions of the Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum by issuing safe passage for six asylum seekers residing in Argentina's official residence to safely leave Venezuelan territory.
The preliminary report by the United Nations Expert Panel on Venezuela's presidential election indicates that the National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to present records substantiating results announced on August 2. A digital version of more than 80% of electoral records shows a different outcome than reported by CNE. Consequently, there is a request for immediate publication of all original records and impartial verification by an international entity to ensure respect for voters' will as expressed at polls. Any delay questions the validity of August 2's official proclamation.
The signatories have previously appealed for peaceful dialogue and negotiations to resolve serious conflicts. They emphasize that now more than ever, Venezuela must honor this legacy to restore peaceful coexistence, public safety, and political stability threatened by security authorities according to accounts by UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela.
The current situation calls for broad, inclusive dialogue facilitating a political agreement fostering national reconciliation, peace, public security, and democracy in Venezuela. The signatory nations commit support towards efforts advocating a genuinely Venezuelan solution where democracy, justice, peace, and security prevail.
Signatory countries include:
Republic of Argentina
Canada
Republic of Chile
Republic of Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Republic of Ecuador
Kingdom of España
European Union
Republic of Guatemala
Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Italian Republic
Kingdom of Morocco
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Republic of Panamá
Republic of Paraguay
Republico f Perú
Portuguese Republic
Republicof Suriname
Oriental Republicof Uruguay
United Statesof America
