Press Releases

1. Regarding the presidential elections held in Venezuela on May 20, 2018, the international community, including the G7, has widely expressed doubt about the legitimacy of the electoral process lacking a broad participation of the Venezuelan people. It is regrettable that the presidential inauguration ceremony was held on January 10, 2019, without the Venezuelan government fulfilling sufficient accountability. Japan strongly urges that issues in Venezuela are resolved with a broad participation of the Venezuelan people and their freely expressed will, and that the democracy is restored as soon as possible.

2. In addition, Japan is concerned that the deterioration of the current economic and social conditions in Venezuela has seriously affected the Venezuelan people, particularly those in vulnerable situations, and that waves of people fleeing Venezuela are causing a region-wide impact. Based on the principle of human security, Japan will continue to provide support to the Venezuelan people including people fleeing Venezuela, as well as to neighboring countries affected.