Uruguay at the head of the International Contact Group on Venezuela: "The biggest dilemma is between peace and war"

At the beginning of the meeting of the International Contact Group (IGC) for Venezuela, the European Union reiterated that it was necessary to hold elections as soon as possible in the Caribbean country and the arrival of humanitarian aid.

The Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Federica Mogherinicalled on the representatives of the different countries participating in the meeting to "focus"in"what unites us, it is the goal of a Venezuela in peace and in democracy"

In this way, marked the differences with the position of Uruguay, Mexico and Caricom countries, who poses at this time the so-called "Mechanism of Montevideo", a proposal that calls for dialogue between the Maduro government and the opposition, which does not necessarily lead to elections to the presidency.

But Mogherini was clear before the meeting. In a speech to the press, accompanied by the President Tabaré Vázquez, emphasized the position proposed by the European Union: early elections and the arrival of humanitarian aid.

As a preamble to the meeting and message to participants, Mogherini said: "the concern shared by the situation in Venezuela is what brings us together today"and called to contribute to"a political, peaceful and democratic solution. This is the only possible outcome if we want to avoid more suffering, "he said.

For the European High Representative, the objective of the ICG it is not necessary to impose solutions on Venezuelans nor to establish direct mediation and negotiation and reiterated that the EU believed in free and transparent elections for the Caribbean country, noting that "the task ahead is urgent"

For his part, the Uruguayan president said that "the people of Venezuela deserve the best possible future and it is the people who must build this future"In his speech to the delegates of the various participating nations, the President asked if"maybe what is happening in Venezuela today has not happened and can happen in other countries"

Vazquez said the group had met "tries to contribute to a possible solution and perhaps the best for Venezuela. A peaceful and democratic exit from the situation that lives. The biggest dilemma that Venezuela has raised is between peace and war, which is why our urgent call for serenity for the parties involved and for caution towards the international community. "

He anticipated the start of the meeting and 50 minutes, Vázquez met MogheriniAnalyze the possibility of an agreement between the participants in the IGC, which can be reflected in a final declaration. The central issue is Maduro's obligation to hold early elections for the country's presidency and open a corridor for the arrival of humanitarian aid.

The International Contact Group on Venezuela is currently meeting in Montevideo and has the presence of European Chancellors Margot Wallström, from Sweden, Josep Borrell, from Spain, Augusto Santos Silva, Portugal and Enzo Moavero, From Italy.

Also present are the Directors for the Americas and the French and German Caribbean, the Director for the Western Hemisphere of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Director for the Americas of the Foreign Office of the United Kingdom.

In the case of Latin America, delegates are the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.