Statement on tension between Venezuelan government and opposition

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Policy showed on 10 April 2017 her concern over the political tension in Venezuela.

It was highlighted that escalation of tensions and violent confrontations only increased divisions in the country and would not help solving the crisis. The High Representative condemned the ban imposed on opposition leader Henrique Capriles and called on both sides to find common ground and bring violence to an end.

The European Parliament's plenary session discussed the situation in the country on 27 April and adopted a resolution on the subject.

• Primary Source

Reuters, 09.04.17: Venezuela Socialists' election strategy? Block adversaries http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-elections-idUSKBN17B0ZC

EurActiv, 11.04.17: EU voices concern over Venezuela clashes http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-voices-concern-over-venezuela-clashes/

Foreign Policy, 07.04.17: In Venezuela, Young Protester Killed and Opposition Leader Barred From Office http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/04/07/in-venezuela-young-protester-killed-and-opposition-leader-barred-from-office/

Euronews, 08.04.17: Venezuela: Opposition leader Capriles defiant despite 15-year ban http://www.euronews.com/2017/04/08/venezuela-opposition-leader-capriles-defiant-despite-15-year-ban

BBC News, 08.04.17: Venezuela opposition march over Henrique Capriles ban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-39542181

EurActiv, 21.04.17: New Venezuela protest clashes follow deadly unrest http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/new-venezuela-protest-clashes-follow-deadly-unrest/

European Parliament: Press Release, 27.04.17: EP urges Venezuela to restore democratic order and free all political prisoners http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170424IPR72038/

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