Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi told the Lower House on Tuesday that "the Italian government calls for new democratic presidential elections in Venezuela as soon as possible". "The government is worried about the humanitarian emergency and is working to provide non-conflictual solutions," he added.
"The government considers any type of violence unacceptable and firmly condemns it and expresses support for a peaceful solution. "The government deems the last presidential elections to have not attributed democratic legitimacy to the winner, that is Nicolas Maduro". Moavero addressed parliament after senior members of the Italian government on Tuesday reached an agreement at a meeting at the premier's office for motion by the ruling majority on the crisis in Venezuela, sources said. The motion says the League and the 5-Star Movement call on the government to commit itself to "supporting diplomatic efforts, including via participation and multilateral forums, in order to proceed as soon as possible with new presidential elections that are free and credible and respect the Constitution".
Self-proclaimed interim Venezuelan president Juan Guaidò on Monday voiced "deep dismay" at Italy's stance on the crisis pitting him against President Nicolas Maduro. The opposition leader said "we do not understand why the European country closest to us foes not take a clear and marked position against the dictator Maduro and does not ask, strongly, for free elections under the aegis of the international community and the freeing up of humanitarian aid," he said in a letter to Italians. "I am sure that the Italian people are on our side, on the side of democracy, freedom and justice".
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