Uruguay Prepares to Host EU Meeting on Venezuelan Crisis

European Union representatives will meet in Montevideo on February 7 to discuss the political situation in Venezuela, Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez confirmed Sunday.

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On January 31, Federica Mogherini, head of the international delegation, gave eight undecided EU member countries and its South American partners a deadline of 90 days to “reach a positive decision” on the Venezuela crisis.

In response, Uruguay will be hosting the first inaugural meeting of the International Contact Group (IGC) on Venezuela with representatives from various EU members, Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador.

"The IGC aims to contribute to creating the necessary conditions for the emergence of a political and peaceful process that allows Venezuelans to determine their own future, holding free, transparent and credible elections...in line with the relevant provisions of the Venezuelan Constitution,” the EU said in a statement in January.

Broken into three phases, the ICG will work as a mediator between national and international parties, to “identify the way forward, required steps and confidence-building measures for all relevant national actors to engage seriously in a credible process.”

“The Group shall have a balanced membership with countries and international governmental organizations that are committed to a peaceful and political solution to the Venezuelan crisis. Its size shall be manageable and conducive to results,” the letter said.

Since Venezuela’s attempted coup on Jan. 23 which brought opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido to the forefront, claiming himself “interim president”, the European Union has been divided.

Austria, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg, staunchly rejected Guaido’s claim to the presidency, advocating for a peaceful dialogue to be conducted free of international interference.

While Germany, Spain, France, Holland, Portugal and the United Kingdom, presented Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with an ultimatum, demanding he abdicate in favor of a new presidential election or they will recognize Guaido as the country’s new president.

Last week, Uruguayan ambassador to the United Nations, Elbio Rosselli said, "There will be no stability or peace in Venezuela without a political agreement between the various actors through broad and non-exclusive dialogue that includes the government, the entire political spectrum and civil society.”