The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano:
“We firmly condemn the decision of the constituent assembly to take upon itself the legislative powers attributed to the Parliament legitimately elected in compliance with the Constitution of 1999.
It is a further step taken by Venezuela towards an autocratic regime, distancing it from founding democratic principles and the rule of law.
We call on the Venezuelan Government to urgently pass the measures necessary to restore democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, and put an end to the persecution and intimidation of those who express their dissent, release political prisoners and initiate a dialogue with the opposition on the four-point agenda laid down by the Holy See.
Should Venezuela fail to take these urgent measures, Italy, together with its European partners, will evaluate the measures called for, while continuing to very closely monitor the situation of Italian and European citizens residing in the Country.”
