Statement by Palazzo Chigi on developments in the situation in Venezuela

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, has been following developments in Venezuela since they first began to unfold.

Italy has always supported the Venezuelan people’s aspiration for a democratic transition in Venezuela, condemning the acts of repression by the Maduro regime, whose self-proclaimed election victory has never been recognised by Italy or its main international partners.
    
In line with Italy’s long-standing position, the Government does not consider external military action to be the way forward to bring an end to totalitarian regimes. At the same time, however, it considers defensive action to be legitimate against hybrid security attacks, as in the case of state entities that fuel and facilitate drug trafficking.

In liaison with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, President Meloni is continuing to closely follow the situation of the Italian community in Venezuela, whose security is the Government’s top priority.

The Italian Government also calls for the swift release of all Western citizens still being held in Venezuelan prisons, with full respect for fundamental rights.