Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Emanuela Del Re attended the ministerial meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly in New York yesterday.
In her address, the Deputy Minister expressed her “deep concern at the deterioration in the political and humanitarian situation in Venezuela, as underscored also in the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet”. She therefore called for greater international coordination to support negotiations between the parties, “the only way to achieve free, democratic and transparent presidential elections”. Del Re said that “Italy confirms its commitment in the ICG to give its full support to Norway’s mediation efforts”, and expressed a wish that negotiations which began in Barbados would resume immediately.
The Deputy Minister then said that the international community should urgently stand together to enhance its commitment to addressing the “catastrophic humanitarian situation, especially for the millions of refugees who are being supported by the neighbouring countries”. “In addition to specific measures taken to support the Italian community in the country, Italy has contributed 3 million euros to date and sent a humanitarian flight to help the people of Venezuela, especially in the area of healthcare, and to assist the refugees in the neighbouring countries” said the Deputy Minister.