Tajani criticized Maduro for preventing opponents from demonstrating / Photo: Nova News
The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, received this Thursday in Rome the Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, to whom he reiterated Italy’s condemnation of “the violations of human rights, arbitrary arrests and political repression” of the Government. by Nicolás Maduro.
“In Venezuela there is an attempt to suffocate freedom,” said Tajani in his first meeting with González Urrutia, whom the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, also received this week.
Condemns
Tajani also condemned the arrest warrant against the Venezuelan opposition leader, and insisted on Italy’s commitment as the country that holds the rotating presidency of the G7 to seek ways “to facilitate a peaceful democratic transition that corresponds to the will of the Venezuelan people” after the July 28 elections.
The head of Italian diplomacy also “recalled the constant commitment to the large community of Italian residents and descendants of Italians in the country”, which is manifested through a permanent working group led by his Ministry.
Rome / EFE
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**Interview with Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Minister Tajani, thank you for joining us today. Your recent meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia highlighted Italy’s stance on the political situation in Venezuela. Can you elaborate on what specific actions Italy is prepared to take to address the human rights violations you mentioned?
**Antonio Tajani:** Thank you for having me. Italy is firmly committed to advocating for human rights and democratic values. We are engaging at both bilateral and multilateral levels to pressure the Maduro government to halt its repression and to pave the way for a genuine democratic transition.
**Interviewer:** You condemned the arrest warrant against González Urrutia. How do you envision Italy’s role in supporting opposition leaders facing such threats in their home countries?
**Antonio Tajani:** Our role is multifaceted. Beyond diplomatic support, we aim to foster international coalitions that can hold the Maduro regime accountable. We want to ensure that the voices of the Venezuelan people are heard and that their rights are respected.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned this as an opportunity to facilitate a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela. What strategies or mechanisms do you believe could effectively lead to that outcome?
**Antonio Tajani:** We must encourage dialogue among all parties involved. Italy, as part of the G7, can utilize its influence to promote negotiation and engagement rather than oppression, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections.
**Interviewer:** With your strong condemnation of the Maduro regime, what is your message to those who might argue that foreign intervention could exacerbate the situation in Venezuela?
**Antonio Tajani:** It’s crucial to differentiate between intervention and support for the Venezuelan people. Our goal is to support democratic forces and civil society, not to impose solutions. The ultimate decision lies with the Venezuelan people, and we want to create an environment where they can safely express their will.
**Interviewer:** As readers engage with this topic, do you think there is a possibility for the international community to effectively collaborate and create a united front against political repression, or will national interests always get in the way?
**Antonio Tajani:** That’s a complex question. National interests can sometimes complicate collective efforts, but there is also a growing recognition that shared values must guide our actions. If the international community prioritizes human rights over political expediency, I believe we can find common ground to support democracy in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Tajani. Your commitment to human rights is clear, and it certainly raises an important conversation about the role of international diplomacy in situations of political repression.
**[Debate Prompt for Readers:]** What do you think? Can a unified international approach effectively support democracy in Venezuela, or do national interests ultimately hinder these efforts? Share your thoughts below!
