Mogherini talks to Venezuela's Foreign Minister and the President of the National Assembly

Today Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, talked with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza, and the President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Omar Barboza, in light of the latest developments in Venezuela and the discussion at Foreign Affairs Council in February.

The High Representative informed them about the discussion of the EU Foreign Ministers on 26 February and the concerns expressed over the political, economic, social situation and the pressing needs of the population, as well as the repercussions in the region.

The High Representative recalled that the only sustainable way out of the crisis is a political, negotiated and broadly shared solution, to be achieved through a peaceful, democratic and constitutional process.

In this context - the High Representative stressed - it is of the utmost importance that the government sets up widely agreed guarantees to ensure free, transparent and credible elections on the basis of a viable electoral calendar, and that the opposition engages in a united manner towards this end. This is crucial for the credibility and trust of the population on the outcome of the elections. Non-inclusive decisions will only create more polarisation and new obstacles to a peaceful solution.