Strasbourg 18 December 2019
In the parliamentary plenary session, Zovko took the floor in the debate on the situation in Venezuela. She expressed her concerns said we are witnessing a human catastrophe.
“Two years ago, we awarded the Sakharov prize to the democratic opposition in Venezuela and sent a strong warning for the leaders of this country to change in order to allow real democracy to take place. Unfortunately, nothing has improved.”
4.6 million Venezuelans have fled the country, since 2015 and if this trend continues, and according estimations 6.5 million Venezuelans could leave their country by the end of 2020.
According to Zovko, it is impossible to solve the situation in the region without the involvement of the wider international community.
“I highly support the Commission’s and EEAS’ efforts towards a negotiated transition leading to transparent and internationally monitored presidential election and the reinstitution of the public powers. Democracy has to be restored and a system of checks and balances needs to be in place.”