EU Mission Meets With Venezuela Defense Minister, Supreme Court
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published July 15, 2021 | 12:50 PM
Caracas, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2021 ) :European Union election experts met with Venezuela's defense minister and Supreme Court president, at a time when the opposition is demanding the release of a top leader accused of terrorism and treason.
The EU representatives arrived in Venezuela a week ago to study the possibility of sending a mission to observe mayoral and gubernatorial elections in November, following an invitation from President Nicolas Maduro.
"Enjoyable meeting with the European Union's Electoral Exploratory Mission, on the eve of the next mega-elections that will take place in Venezuela," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino tweeted.
"We reiterated our democratic calling and the fundamental role the (armed forces) play in guaranteeing peace." Venezuela's armed forces are the main authority backing Maduro's continued hold on power, despite pressure from the opposition and international sanctions.
Earlier, the EU delegation met with the Supreme Court leadership.
"Our goal is peace and respect for the will of the people," said court president Maikel Moreno in a statement released by the body, which is dominated by Maduro loyalists.
The EU has not responded to AFP requests for comment on the meetings.
It is not known whether the arrest on Monday of opposition figure Freddy Guevara, part of an opposition group that met with the EU delegation last week, was discussed.
Guevara, a 35-year-old former student leader, posted on social media from inside his car as he was being intercepted by intelligence agents on a Caracas highway.
He is a close ally of opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized by the United States and several other nations as Venezuela's leader.
Guevara's arrest came despite plans for the opposition to sit down with the government for stalled peace talks to end the country's political crisis.
Maduro said on Monday those talks, to be held in Mexico, would only go ahead if international sanctions are lifted and he is protected from any plots to oust him.
Most European and Latin American nations, along with the United States, consider Maduro to be illegitimate after wide reports of irregularities in his 2018 election.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago