St. Kitts and Nevis condemns acts of violence in Venezuela

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 26TH 2014 (CUOPM) – The Government of St Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to international peace and security, democracy, and the rule of law, and has expressed concerned over the violent clashes between anti-and pro-government protestors in Venezuela. 

“We affirm both the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states, as well as the importance of freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association for all peoples, everywhere.  It is essential that those who exercise those rights however, do so without jeopardizing the public interest or impairing the rights and freedoms of others – including the right to life and property,” said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

St Kitts and Nevis condemns all acts of violence in Venezuela; and, in keeping with time-honored democratic traditions, calls upon all sides to respect the democratically-elected Government of President Nicolás Maduro.

“This is essential to protecting the reputation, image, and stability of the Bolivarian Republic,” said the statement.

It added that the violence in Venezuela is deeply troubling, and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis extends sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones as a result in recent weeks, and urges all parties to understand the importance of dialogue as a means of restoring peace and stability to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.