06 Aug 2017

Botswana is worried by political developments in Venezuela, particularly the recent arrests of opposition members.

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the arrests as well as the decision by the country’s leadership to nullify the existing democratically elected National Assembly and replace it with a Constituent Assembly, are a clear determination by President Maduro’s government to suppress the voice of opposition.

It further says these untoward actions have far reaching consequences on the democratic dispensation in Venezuela.

The release further says Botswana, thus joins the international community in condemning the continuing deterioration of democracy, governance as well as the rule of law in Venezuela. It further says Botswana urges President Maduro to respect the will of the people and avoid any further action that will escalate the current crisis in Venezuela. ENDS