Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday afternoon discussed democratic elections as a condition to lift sanctions on Venezuela, possibly finding common ground on proceedings to improve political stability in the area.
The UNSC has met to discuss the situation in Venezuela for a period of four days in Maastricht (Netherlands). Day two concluded with a general endorsement of the possibility of lifting US and European-imposed sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government for a series of human rights violations. A prerequisite would be that the government ensures freeness and fairness in the upcoming elections in July.
Answering a question from one of Reuters reporters on-site, the Columbian delegate specified that UNSC wants to install neutral observers to ensure a democratic unfolding of the presidential election. The Russian Federation justified the decision by referring to economic and political instability brought about by US sanctions, arguing that a lifting would improve humanitarian conditions and strengthen the country’s oil economy.
Meanwhile, the US representative defended sanctions against Venezuela emphasizing that “no crime can go unpunished” and evoking concerns about repercussions of Maduro’s mismanagement on neighboring states.
Venezuela itself agreed to the supervision of the presidential elections but demands to maintain national sovereignty in the process.
As discussions extend into the following days, experts anticipate a shift from talks on sanctions and upcoming elections to addressing issues regarding the migration crisis and armed conflicts at Venezuela’s border. However, the council faces a high degree of polarization between members, potentially impeding productivity in the days ahead.
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