Statement of the Government of SVG on recent developments on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a deep sense of unease and apprehension about recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including the marches sponsored by opposing political forces on Wednesday January 23, 2019 in Caracas, which can promote civil unrest within the country.

To this end, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is dismayed at the provocative actions by the National Assembly President, Mr. Juan Guaido, which serves to destabilize severely order and the rule of law within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Further, the act by several governments within the hemisphere to recognize Juan Guaido as Interim President of Venezuela goes against the fundamental principle of non-interference into the internal affairs of a sovereign state which is established within the Organization of American States (OAS) Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the United Nations Charter.

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in this respect, reaffirms its recognition of the constitutionally elected President H.E. Nicolas Maduro who was inaugurated for a second term as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on January 10, 2019.

In order to maintain the democratic fabric of the Venezuelan society, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines urges both the Government and Parliamentary opposition to engage in meaningful dialogue inclusive of civil society and the business community without recourse to any action which can further erode the rule of law and lead to violence and civil unrest.

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines calls on all Member States of the OAS to respect the sovereignty of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the legitimacy and legality of its government headed by President Maduro, and to promote an environment of peace and dialogue with a view to maintaining regional and hemispheric order for the peaceful co-existence among states.

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains fully supportive of efforts to resolve through peaceful means, the current challenges and problems in Venezuela. The engendering of violence will not aid any necessary and desirable political solution. We call on all parties to accord full respect to the rule of law, inclusive of the promotion of peace, order, and good governance.