AFP, Europa Press and Sputnik
The newspaper La Jornada
Saturday, August 17, 2024, p. 22
Washington. Without Mexico’s assistance, the 26 delegations that attended the extraordinary session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution that calls on the Venezuelan government to publish the results of the disputed presidential elections of July 28.
A document, which was accepted by consensus, highlights the importance of protecting and preserving all equipment used in the electoral process, including all printed minutes and results, in order to safeguard the chain of custody.
Expressing concern about Reports of serious irregularities and violence related to the electoral processthe resolution urges the Maduro government to respect the rights of its citizens to assemble, to be free from reprisals, to be free from arbitrary arrest or imprisonment, and to a fair trial.
In addition, the opinion stated the solidarity with the Venezuelan people and that the signatory countries commit themselves to stay alert to the situation in the country.
It was also requested to protect diplomatic facilities and personnel residing in Venezuelan territory, including persons requesting asylum in said facilities.
The OAS noted that a panel of United Nations experts on the Venezuelan elections found that the National Electoral Council It was not transparent.
The U.S. permanent representative to the OAS presented the resolution in which they call for respect for civil guarantees, the sovereign will of the Venezuelan electorate “and the impartial verification of the results that guarantees the transparency, credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.
The OAS Permanent Council had already met on July 31 to approve a resolution calling for transparency from Maduro’s government, but it did not receive a majority of votes from the 34 member countries. The post-election crisis in Venezuela caused protests in which 25 people were killed and more than 2,400 arrested.
Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia applauded the organization’s resolution.
Today we achieved that, by consensus in the OAS, the voice was raised in support of the will of all Venezuelans, demanding that the minutes be published and that the path towards a free, democratic country, with guarantees and respect, be accepted once and for all.the politician said in a message on the social network X.