Ban voices concern over reported violence in Venezuela, calls for dialogue

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced concern over new reports of violence and loss of life in Venezuela, and expressed support for regional dialogue to help the country overcome its current challenges.

In a statement, Mr. Ban's spokesperson said the Secretary-General had taken note of the Government's stated willingness to undertake a full investigation.

In addition, the spokesperson added, Mr. Ban had also taken note of the call by the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States for “the building of a democratic space for dialogue in Venezuela.”

The spokesperson today underscored that the Secretary-General supported the current efforts of the Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to re-launch the dialogue between the Government and members of the opposition, initiated in April 2014 and supported by UNASUR and the Holy See, in order “to help the country overcome its current challenges and guarantee the human rights of all Venezuelans.”

“In this connection,” the statement concluded, “[Mr. Ban] welcomes the UNASUR Secretary General's announcement of an upcoming visit to Venezuela by a delegation of UNASUR Foreign Ministers.”