Contact Group On Venezuela May Play Vital Role In Upcoming Elections - US Lawmakers

The International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela could play a key role in creating the conditions for fresh presidential elections in the Latin American country, US House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Representative Eliot Engel said in a joint statement on Tuesday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th February, 2019) The International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela could play a key role in creating the conditions for fresh presidential elections in the Latin American country, US House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Representative Eliot Engel said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

"Free and fair elections are urgently needed in Venezuela," the lawmakers said. "It is essential for these elections to be observed by credible international electoral observers, including the Organization of American States, to allow for a peaceful democratic transition. Finally, we believe that the European Union-Latin America Contact Group can play a potentially crucial role in advancing the conditions for elections."

Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva told Sputnik on Thursday that members of the International Contact Group (ICG), who recently gathered in Uruguay for their first meeting, agreed on the need for a new presidential election conducted via a credible electoral process.

The US lawmakers issued their statement ahead of the scheduled testimony of US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliot Abrams before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

On January 23, Juan Guaido, the head of the Venezuelan opposition-led National Assembly, proclaimed himself the country's interim president and was immediately recognized by the United States, Canada and other US allies. Russia, Mexico, China, Turkey, Uruguay and several other countries came forward to reaffirm their support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the country's only legitimate democratically elected head of state.

In late January, the European Union announced establishment of the ICG, comprised of representatives from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom along with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.