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UN chief urges Venezuelans to ease tensions and engage in negotiations

Protesters in La Castellana, a neighborhood in eastern Caracas.
Helena Carplo/IRIN News
Protesters in La Castellana, a neighborhood in eastern Caracas.

UN chief urges Venezuelans to ease tensions and engage in negotiations

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is closely following recent developments in Venezuela, his Spokesperson told reporters today.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is closely following recent developments in Venezuela, his Spokesperson told reporters today.

“In this critical moment for the future of the country, he urges all Venezuelans to make all possible efforts to lower tensions and engage in political negotiations,” underscored Stéphane Dujarric, when asked about the latest developments in the South American country.

The Secretary-General and other top UN officials have been calling for calm in Venezuela since late July when, according to media reports, clashes erupted between security forces and protestors opposing the Constituent Assembly elections.

According to media reports, President Nicolás Maduro declared victory in elections for a Constituent Assembly convened by him. The new body could replace the current legislative body, the National Assembly.