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Ban urges all parties in Venezuela to reduce polarization and engage sincerely in dialogue process

Just Earth News 29 Oct 2016

Ban urges all parties in Venezuela to reduce polarization and engage sincerely in dialogue process

Eskinder Debebe

New York, Oct 29 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday welcomed the Vatican’s joining of the ongoing initiative by former Heads of State and Government to promote dialogue between the Government of Venezuela and the country’s political opposition, under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).


According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban also called on all national actors to take tangible measures to reduce polarization and to engage sincerely in the dialogue process.

Underscoring the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution and ensuring respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, the UN chief further called on all Venezuelans, regardless of their political perspective, to exercise those rights responsibly.

“Above all,” noted the statement, “the Secretary-General reiterates his strong conviction that the Government and the opposition should make concerted efforts to focus on the country’s current challenges, including to effectively address the socio-economic needs of the country, for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.”

In the statement, the Secretary-General also welcomed the expressions of support for the UNASUR initiative from the international community.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe