The meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers taking place in Lima today will serve to weigh on the Venezuelan Government for its violations of the rule of law and democracy, former Peruvian Foreign Minister Eduardo Ferrero affirmed.
"We expect a joint political declaration by
15 nations representing the region and Canada. I hope this serves as a measure to put pressure on [Nicolas] Maduro's administration along with other regions like the European Union, which is also against the
Constituent Assembly," Ferrero told Andina news agency.
The former government official noted the audience would take into account the stance of each
Foreign Minister regarding the crisis facing the Bolivarian nation.
"The declaration should also request the release of political prisoners, as well as respect for the population's fundamental liberties and human rights in order to prevent violent acts," he added.
In addition, Ferrero stressed the need to urge Venezuela to respect the electoral calendar set for 2018, including the possibility of bringing the date forward in light of the critical situation.
"Foreign Ministers can also adopt measures regarding the level of their ties with Venezuela. Peru, for instance, has
withdrawn its ambassador. A similar, collective measure could be taken."
As for unilateral measures, Ferrero noted Peru ought to assess the possibility of declaring Venezuela's Ambassador to Lima Diego Molero
persona non grata.
Such measure should be considered due to Molero's "negative statements," as well as President Maduro's "unacceptable remarks concerning President Kuczynski, who deserves respect."
(END) DHT/MVB