Diaz-Balart Praises OAS Decision to Invoke Inter-American Democratic Charter

Diaz-Balart Praises OAS Decision to Invoke Inter-American Democratic Charter

WASHINGTON - Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement after Secretary General Luis Almagro of the Organization of American States called for an emergency meeting of regional governments to assess the deterioration of democracy in Venezuela:

“Finally, under the leadership of Secretary General Luis Almagro, the OAS is standing up to the escalating repression and ongoing human rights abuses in Venezuela.

OAS member states have a responsibility to work together to uphold the democratic principles that bind our nations together. The Maduro regime has systematically undermined democratic institutions, violated human rights, and cultivated corruption at all levels of government. The deteriorating conditions in Venezuela demand concerted and unequivocal consequences from Western Hemisphere nations that support the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

At the Permanent Council meeting called by the Secretary General, I urge the Obama administration to abandon its predilection for appeasing dictators and stand with the people of Venezuela. At a minimum, all political prisoners in Venezuela must be liberated, the independence of the judiciary must be restored, the media must be uncensored, and the will of the people must be respected. The Venezuelan people deserve no less.”