Nicholas Maduro
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has issued an ultimatum to the European Union over sanctions. According to him, Venezuela does not intend to put up with interference in internal affairs. His words are reported by RIA Novosti.
“We were looking for a dialogue, and important steps were taken to restore dialogue between the opposition and Chavism. But in this way – no – either you will correct (the position – comment of “Lenta.ru” ), or there will never be any deal with you, no kind of dialogue, gentlemen from the European Union, “the Venezuelan leader emphasized, adding that his the country knows how to respond to threats.
Maduro recalled that the EU has included high-ranking military officers, members of the National Electoral Council and MPs on the sanctions list. The restrictions were imposed on “decisions that undermine democracy” and human rights violations.
In response to these measures, Venezuela declared persona non grata and expelled the head of the EU diplomatic mission, Isabel Brilante Pedrosa, giving her 72 hours to get ready.
In December, the European Union did not recognize the results of the elections to the Venezuelan National Assembly. According to Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the elections did not meet minimum international standards.
