Secretary-General Welcomes ‘Encouraging’ Efforts to Promote Dialogue between Government, Opposition in Venezuela

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General continues to follow events in Venezuela and is encouraged by the ongoing initiatives by former Heads of State and Government to promote dialogue between the Government of Venezuela and the opposition, under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

The Secretary-General has also taken note of regional calls for dialogue.  He reiterates his strong conviction that the Government and the opposition should address the country’s current challenges through meaningful dialogue, adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution, for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.