Lima Group calls for new elections in Venezuela

The Member Countries of the Lima Group (a group that studies solutions to the Venezuelan crisis) issued a statement on Friday (January 4th) in which they classify as illegitimate the Venezuelan elections that brought Nicolas Maduro to the presidency. In the note, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia request that the National Assembly of Venezuela assume the Executive until new elections are called.

This is because, the Group says, the last elections did not ensure the participation of all political actors in Venezuela, which would have influenced the outcome in favor of Maduro. It argues that the solution of the political crisis facing Venezuela must involve the population and be democratic.

Actions

The Lima Group reiterated that it will continue to act in multinational bodies to demand the restoration of respect for human rights in the country. In addition, it also intends to review the conditions of diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

Among other measures to be adopted are a ban on the entry of senior Venezuelan government officials into its borders and the restriction of lending to Venezuela by international bodies. The Group also announced that it will suspend the transfer of arms to the country.