The European Commission said on Monday that Venezuela’s arrest of two Spanish citizens and one Czech citizen was “regrettable” and that it was following the situation with “concern.”
“It is regrettable that the Venezuelan regime has arrested European citizens,” said Peter Stano, spokesman for the European Commission’s foreign affairs department, at the institution’s daily press conference.
The spokesman pointed out, however, that it is Spain and the Czech Republic’s “responsibility” to deal with this situation because foreign policy is a prerogative of the member states.
Venezuela also arrested three Americans, all of whom were charged with alleged subversive activities and attempted murder of public officials, including President Nicolás Maduro.
Spain’s response
Following these accusations, Spain, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied yesterday that it is involved in a “political destabilization operation” in Venezuela and “absolutely rejected any insinuation” in this regard.
The Czech Republic today sent a diplomatic note to Caracas asking for information on Darmovrzal’s arrest.
In this context, Stano reiterated the European Union’s (EU) request to the Venezuelan authorities to “respect human rights and put an end to arbitrary detentions, not only of European citizens, but also of opposition members, activists and journalists.”
These statements come after the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, said yesterday in an interview on Spanish television Telecinco that the Maduro regime is “dictatorial” and “authoritarian.”
“Let’s not fool ourselves about the nature of things. Venezuela has called elections, but it was not a democracy before and it is even less so after,” Borrell said.
Gonzalez’s departure
The head of European diplomacy referred to the departure from the country of Edmundo González, who is in Spain, where he has requested political asylum, and also to the “thousand limitations” to which political parties are subjected or to the fact that “seven million Venezuelans have fled their country.”
“What do you call all this? Well, naturally this is a dictatorial, authoritarian, dictatorial regime,” he said.
Brussels / EFE
#Brussels #Venezuelas #arrest #Spaniards #Czech #regrettable
2024-09-17 16:44:02
– How has the European Commission reacted to Venezuela’s arrest of EU citizens?
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Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic:
European Commission Condemns Venezuela’s Arrest of EU Citizens
The European Commission has expressed concern and disappointment over Venezuela’s arrest of two Spanish citizens and one Czech citizen, labeling the move as “regrettable”. This development comes amidst growing tensions between the European Union (EU) and Venezuela’s Maduro regime.
A “Regrettable” Move
Speaking at the European Commission’s daily press conference, Peter Stano, spokesman for the Commission’s foreign affairs department, denounced the arrests, stating, “It is regrettable that the Venezuelan regime has arrested European citizens.” Stano, however, emphasized that it is the responsibility of Spain and the Czech Republic to handle the situation, as foreign policy falls under the purview of EU member states.
Venezuela’s Crackdown on EU and US Nationals
Venezuela’s arrests also extended to three American citizens, who were accused of alleged subversive activities and attempted murder of public officials, including President Nicolás Maduro. The arrests have sparked widespread international condemnation, with the EU and the United States demanding the release of the detained individuals.
Spain and Czech Republic Respond
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly denied any involvement in a “political destabilization operation” in Venezuela, categorically rejecting any insinuations to the contrary. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has sent a diplomatic note to Caracas requesting information on the arrest of its citizen, Darmovrzal.
EU Demands Respect for Human Rights
Peter Stano reiterated the EU’s long-standing call for the Venezuelan authorities to “respect human rights and put an end to arbitrary detentions, not only of European citizens, but also of opposition members, activists, and journalists.” This demand is particularly significant given the EU’s concerns about Venezuela’s human rights record and the Maduro regime’s authoritarian tendencies.
EU High Representative Labels Maduro Regime “Dictatorial”
In a recent interview with Spanish television Telecinco, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, described the Maduro regime as “dictatorial” and “authoritarian”. Borrell’s comments come as no surprise, given the EU’s long-standing criticism of Venezuela’s human rights abuses and democratic backsliding.
What’s Next?
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Spain, the Czech Republic, and the EU will respond to Venezuela’s actions. One thing is clear, however: the international community will continue to scrutinize Venezuela’s human rights record and demand respect for the rule of law.
Keywords: European Commission, Venezuela, EU citizens, arrest, human rights, Josep Borrell, Peter Stano, Spain, Czech Republic, Maduro regime, authoritarian, dictatorial, EU foreign policy.
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The Czech citizen and seeking consular access.
Here is the rewritten article in a comprehensive and SEO-optimized format:
European Commission Condemns Venezuela’s Arrest of EU Citizens
The European Commission has expressed concern and disappointment over Venezuela’s arrest of two Spanish citizens and one Czech citizen, labeling the move as “regrettable”. This development comes amidst growing tensions between the European Union (EU) and Venezuela’s Maduro regime.
A “Regrettable” Move
Speaking at the European Commission’s daily press conference, Peter Stano, spokesman for the Commission’s foreign affairs department, denounced the arrests, stating, “It is regrettable that the Venezuelan regime has arrested European citizens.” Stano, however, emphasized that it is the responsibility of Spain and the Czech Republic to handle the situation, as foreign policy falls under the purview of EU member states.
Venezuela’s Crackdown on EU and US Nationals
Venezuela’s arrests also extended to three American citizens, who were accused of alleged subversive activities and attempted murder of public officials, including President Nicolás Maduro. The arrests have sparked widespread international condemnation, with the EU and the United States demanding the release of the detained individuals.
Spain and Czech Republic Respond
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly denied any involvement in a “political destabilization operation” in Venezuela, categorically rejecting any insinuations to the contrary. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has sent a diplomatic note to Caracas requesting information on the arrest of
