Members of Venezuela’s National Constituent Assembly, ANC, have rejected allegations that the opposition-led National Assembly was dissolved and that their members were "stripped of their credentials."
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The ANC assumed some of the National Assembly's functions by decree on Thursday, as it continues to be in contempt since it swore in lawmakers whose elections were under investigation for irregularities.
ANC President Delcy Rodriguez said that despite mainstream media and opposition claims that the legislative body was dissolved, only certain of its functions were assumed by the new group, adding that lawmakers can continue working.
Echoing Rodriguez, Venezuelan attorney Maria Alejandra Diaz accused opposition legislators of endorsing recent violent protests that led to the death of more than a hundred people. Due to their inaction on opposition violence, Diaz said, the ANC issued a decree in which the newly-elected body assumed powers to legislate in order to promote peace and stability.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said the lawmakers “disregarded the ANC's call to establish norms of coexistence and coordination necessary to work together for the stability of Venezuela.”
Nonetheless, the ANC has since proposed setting up a liaison commission made up of deputies from the newly-elected body and the National Assembly to facilitate dialogue and work.