VP/HR — The role of former Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero in talks on the crisis in Venezuela
11.4.2018
Question for written answer P-002070-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)
The name of the former Spanish Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero has been linked to the EU in connection with the political crisis in Venezuela and the various dialogues concerning this.
In July 2016 Rodríguez Zapatero’s name was mentioned as a possible official representative for the EU at these talks, but he was never actually appointed as such. After the latest round of talks in February in the Dominican Republic, in which he once again played a leading role, Mr Zapatero gave his endorsement to an agreement and presidential elections that do not meet the criteria set by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) of being ‘free, credible and transparent’, and which Parliament, in its latest resolution, has described as a ‘call for elections that runs counter to … democratic principles’.
The positions taken by Mr Zapatero in various forums, and in the media, do not match the official position held by the EU institutions. In view of this, could the VP/HR answer the following:
- 1.Has the EU appointed Mr Rodríguez Zapatero to speak on its behalf?
- 2.In meetings attended by the VP/HR, is or was Mr Rodríguez Zapatero regarded as a spokesperson for the EU?
- 3.Has she had any contact recently with Mr Rodríguez Zapatero with a view to addressing the crisis in Venezuela?