VP/HR — European Union's stance and role of the VP/HR following the coup in Venezuela

4.4.2017

Question for written answer E-002501-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)

Some time ago the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) issued a ruling by means of which it assumed the powers and responsibilities of the National Assembly, thus disregarding the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed in the latest parliamentary elections. Subsequently, the SCJ overturned its own ruling, on the orders of the executive, thus demonstrating that there is no separation of powers in Venezuela.

Despite the SCJ overturning its decision, the National Assembly has been unable to exercise its role since the beginning of the parliamentary term, whilst the repression, persecution and imprisonment of members of the opposition has continued alongside the suspension of the electoral process. In view of this, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has called an emergency meeting to invoke the Democratic Charter, a decision which requires the support of a majority of the OAS Member States.

The calls made by the Vice-President/High Representative and by the European Parliament in its latest resolution on Venezuela must be taken into account.

1. What approach will the VP/HR take towards Venezuela in the light of the situation described above?

2. What role will she play with the OAS Member States following the decision to begin the process of invoking the Democratic Charter?

3. Does she intend to hold a meeting with the OAS Member States and the OAS Secretary-General in order to agree on ways of exerting international pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime?