UN urges all efforts be made to lower tensions in Venezuela

20 April 2017 – The United Nations today expressed concern about the latest developments in Venezuela, calling on the Government and the opposition to address the country’s challenges for the benefit of the people.

“We call on the Government of Venezuela and the opposition to engage sincerely to reactivate dialogue efforts,” according to a statement attributable to UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

Specifically, he noted dialogue around critical issues that are already agreed to be placed on the agenda, namely the balance of power among branches of the State, the electoral calendar, human rights, truth and justice and the socioeconomic situation.

Mr. Dujarric called for “concrete gestures” to reduce polarisation and to create the necessary conditions to address the country’s challenges.