MEPs debated (30/01) the situation in Venezuela during the plenary session (30-31 january 2019) in Brussels. The debate was wound up with a resolution, voted today, recognizing Juan Guaidó as the only legitimate President of the country. Statements by Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS (EPP, ES) and Ramón JÁUREGUI ATONDO (S&D, ES). Illustrative shots of Caracas © The Associated Press. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the European Union until 05/12/2022. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AP – www.aparchives.com

Brussels

debate

plenary session

vote

respect for human rights in the world (T)

JÁUREGUI ATONDO, Ramón (S&D, ES)

GONZÁLEZ PONS, Esteban (EPP, ES)

EU - Venezuela (T)

Situation in Venezuela: extracts from the vote and extracts from the debate (30/01) - illustrative shots from Caracas

EP President Antonio Tajani opens the vote on the EP resolution on Venezuela. 

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Esteban GONZ&Aacute;LEZ PONS (EPP, ES), We all believe that freedom of information is the fundamental part of democracy.That is why in this joint resolution we would ask for you to add a new point for journalists covering the situation in Venezuela and call for their immediate release.Thank you very much.

Voting process begins. The resolution is passed with 439 votes in favour, 104 votes against and 88 abstentions. EP President Antonio Tajani announces that the European Parliament supports Juan Guaido to be the legitimate interim President of Venezuela President of Venezuela and urges the High Representative Federica Mogherini to do the same.

Exterior shots in Caracas, Venezuela - November 2017 &copy; The Associated Press. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the European Union until 05/12/2022. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AP &ndash; <a href="http://www.aparchives.com/">www.aparchives.com</a>

Exterior shots, people cueing outside a grocery shop, interior empty shelves (4 shots) - November 2017 &copy; The Associated Press. The material is offered for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the European Union until 05/12/2022. The assignment to a third part is not allowed. For any other uses contact AP &ndash; <a href="http://www.aparchives.com/">www.aparchives.com</a>

Extracts from the Debate on Venezuela from 30/01/2019

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Esteban GONZ&#193;LEZ PONS (EPP, ES), When it comes to defending human rights, freedom and democracy and Europe can not be neutral or equidistant.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Esteban GONZ&Aacute;LEZ PONS (EPP, ES), If Maduro is a tyrant, we can not expect him to rectify because to expect him to rectify a tyrant is to give the tyrant a chance. Tyrants do not call elections.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Ram&#243;n J&#193;UREGUI ATONDO (S&amp;D, ES), Socialism is freedom and there can be no left against democracy. I want to reiterate it here again and I want to say it very loudly against Mr Maduro and for that reason I want to reiterate an agreement that we have reached the political groups to establish this balance between our proposals so that there continues to be important political action of the European Union, to give democratic and peaceful exit, I repeat peacefully, to Venezuela from the political action that we Europeans can promote.