Joint Communique of Member States of the OAS on recent events in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay

Reaffirming their strong commitment to democratic principles and values and the defense of human rights, the governments subscribed to this communique express their deep concern over the decision of the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to postpone the process to collect signatures from 20% of the electorate required to activate the recall referendum.

The stoppage of the process, scheduled to be held between 26 and 28 October, and the decision of the Judiciary of Venezuela to prohibit the departure from Venezuelan territory of the main leaders of the opposition, affects the possibility of establishing a dialogue between the government and the opposition that would allow a peaceful solution to the critical situation in that sister nation.

Governments subscribing to this communique reiterate their call on all political actors in the country to peacefully  proceed with efforts toward national dialogue, directly or with the support of facilitators, that will lead to the identification of sustainable solutions for democracy and social stability, guaranteeing full respect for human rights, separation of powers and institutional strengthening.

October 21, 2016