Caricom Will Not Interfere in Venezuelan Domestic Affairs

In a statement issued after Caricom's 38 Heads of Government meeting, the regional body mandated the meeting's chair, Prime Minister of Grenada Keith Mitchell to write to the relevant parties in Venezuela to offer to facilitate a constructive dialogue.

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After Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley requested Venezuela be included on the agenda, Caricom conducted a closed-door session on the situation in the South American country on July 5 and issued a statement at the end of its 3-day meeting on July 6, according to Dr. Rowley's office.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Samuel Moncada said that Venezuela needed the "friendly, honest and non-interventionist" support of Caricom, according to teleSUR correspondent Monica Vistali, "that will help Venezuela to find a solution on its own."

The statement began by recognizing the difficult situation in Venezuela and reiterated that Caricom is guided by "principles of the adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy, as well as for the fundamental principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of states."

The Caribbean Community called on “all parties to commit to engage in renewed dialogue and negotiations leading to a comprehensive political agreement with established timetables, concrete actions and guarantees to ensure its implementation for the wellbeing of the nation.”

In its effort to aid in finding an urgent solution to the crisis that it said needs to be solved internally, Caricom said it is ready to play a role in "constructive dialogue between the relevant parties in Venezuela."

The 15-nation strong group has stayed the hand of interventionist countries in the Organization of American States led by the U.S. who have repeatedly called for action against the Bolivian government of President Nicolas Maduro.

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro has called for yet another meeting of the organization's foreign ministers to discuss Venezuela for Friday.

Caricom was established in 1973 to form a regional, multilateral organization to promote unity among Caribbean nations.