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Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in Venezuela

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

The recent political developments in Venezuela are evidence of attempts by the irreconcilable internal forces to escalate tensions using external support. Their goal is to remove the Venezuelan Government from power at all costs.

The pretext used for the latest attempt to fuel tensions was the National Electoral Council’s decision on a procedure for preparing a nationwide recall referendum, which is the equivalent of a popular no-confidence vote.

We must state in this connection that respect for the Constitution and the law is the only basis for dealing with internal political issues in Venezuela, or any other country. Sidestepping the legal framework or using external pressure to provoke this are unacceptable, no matter the pretext for justification. Only the Venezuelan people, as the holders of sovereignty, can determine their future based on constitutional processes.

As for the international community, including some of Venezuela’s neighbours, it would be good if their policies helped normalise the internal political situation in Venezuela. In turn, this would help bring about the Venezuelan people’s hopes for peace and stability, a settlement of their economic problems and the continued development of their country.