Restoring democracy in Venezuela must respect the will of the people

The principles of international law must be upheld in Venezuela and the will of the country's people must be respected. this according to a statement from the European Union supported by all members of the bloc except for Hungary.



The joint statement called for restraint from all sides to ensure a peaceful solution.



The EU has said Maduro lacked democratic legitimacy, and called for a transition to democracy determined by the will of the Venezuelan people.



Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis.



EU shared the priority of combatting organised crime and drug trafficking but such challenges must be addressed "through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereign.