The European Union has "rejected" the lifting of Juan Guaidó's parliamentary immunity in Venezuela

The European Union (EU) on Thursday condemned the lifting of Venezuela's immunity of opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries, a "decision that"Serious Violation of the Venezuelan Constitution"

"The EU rejects the decision of the unrecognized National Constituent Assembly to lift Juan Guaidó's parliamentary immunity"said the head of European diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, in a statement on behalf of the EU countries.

The ruling Constituent Assembly on Tuesday withdrew its immunity from Guaidó, chairman of the opposition-controlled Venezuelan parliament, and authorized the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to to prosecute him criminally for usurpation of functions.

For Europeans "This decision constitutes a serious violation of the Venezuelan Constitution, state law and the separation of powers., since the only body empowered to waive immunity "from Guaidó is the Venezuelan Parliament.

"These acts undermine a political solution to the crisis and lead only to increased polarization", says Mogherini, who urgesstrongly"respect for the"prerogatives and immunities"of all members of the Venezuelan Parliament, as well as of his"physical integrity"

The EU, which does not recognize the legitimacy of the Constituent Assembly nor the second term of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, launched in January, has launched to the Latin American countries International Contact Group (ICG) try to find a solution.

European chancellors must evaluate Monday in Luxembourg the work of this initiative They seek to lay the groundwork for a "free" presidential election in Venezuela and a mechanism to channel humanitarian aid to the country.

The EU, which imposed an arms embargo in 2017 and sanctioned 18 Venezuelan officials, "will continue to monitor the situation and will use all appropriate measures to respond to current events", warns the statement.

Venezuela is immersed in a profound political, economic and humanitarian crisis this was compounded with Guaidó's self-proclamation in January as president in charge of the country, a few days after Maduro took on a second term.

(With information from AFP)