Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-10-23-Speech-4-200"
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"en.20081023.25.4-200"2
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"Mr President, the Commission is following the situation in Venezuela with great interest. The country is in the process of preparing for the regional and local elections which will take place on 23 November.
It is worth noting that in the last few years several democratic electoral processes have taken place in Venezuela. Some of them have been monitored by European Observation Missions which concluded that, in general, they complied with international standards and national legislation. Others have not, as was the case with the last referendum, since we were not invited.
The Commission is aware of the concerns expressed by some of you and also many sectors of Venezuelan society about the constitutionality of the ‘disqualifications’. These are believed by some to be intended to obstruct the full participation of the opposition in the November elections.
The Commission has taken note of the explanation provided on several occasions by the Venezuelan authorities, in relation to the constitutionality of these ‘administrative sanctions’ imposed by the State Controller on a number of civil servants.
We stress the importance of guaranteeing the rights of all citizens who want to participate in the elections, in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. We hope that the upcoming elections will strengthen democracy in Venezuela and that the results will reflect the views of the whole of Venezuelan society.
We encourage all actors to engage in the electoral process in a spirit of tolerance, civic-mindedness and respect for pluralism of opinions.
The Commission is also aware of the expulsion of the representatives of Human Rights Watch from Venezuela. We have heard the voices which have condemned this decision as a measure which adversely affects the right to freedom of expression and an act demonstrating an intolerant attitude towards criticism. In this context, we stress the importance that the EU attaches to freedom of expression and opinion. Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental human rights, and constitutes the cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law.
I wish to assure Parliament that the Commission will continue to follow closely the developments in Venezuela. The Commission’s commitments to supporting development of democracy and the promotion of human rights will continue to be reflected in our cooperation policies and relations with Venezuela."@en1
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