Pope Francis yesterday made a heartfelt appeal for “negotiated solutions” to end the violence in crisis-torn Venezuela for the sake of an “exhausted population”.
“Dramatic news on the worsening of the situation in Venezuela keeps coming in with numerous deaths, injuries and prisoners,” the pontiff said before a 70,000 crowd attending weekly prayers in Saint Peter’s Square.
“United in sorrow with the families of the victims...I issue a sincere appeal to the government and all sectors of Venezuelan society to avoid all forms of violence henceforward,” said the pontiff.
The pope urged respect for human rights in a country riven by social conflict and “negotiated solutions to a grave humanitarian, social, political and economic crisis wearing down the populace”.
Francis prayed for “peace, reconciliation and democracy” in what he termed a “beloved” nation.
Returning overnight from a visit to Egypt, he had said he was willing to act as an intermediary under “clear conditions”.
The pontiff said the four mediators were trying to relaunch the process, adding “they are looking for a venue” but the opposition was against the process.
“We should do all that we can for Venezuela with necessary guarantees,” he said.
The pontiff did not clarify the conditions.
Anti-government demonstrators have held weeks of protests against beleaguered Socialist President Nicolas Maduro which have culminated in 28 deaths in clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters, according to prosecutors.
More than 400 people have been injured, and nearly 1,300 arrested, according to the attorney general.
Venezuela has suffered an economic collapse fuelled by a plunge in international prices for its crucial oil exports.
Maduro says the shortages and the protests are part of a US-backed plot to topple him.
Meanwhile a top Venezuelan opposition figure called for more marches aimed at taking back the courts and the National Electoral Council that he said had been “hijacked” by President Nicolas Maduro.
Freddy Guevara urged people to protest today — May 1 or May Day, a traditional workers’ holiday — with marches to the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Council’s offices.
“We want to summon all Venezuelans, across the country’s 24 states, to hit the dictatorship with a one-two punch,” Guevara said, evoking simultaneous peaceful marches in the two locations.
“On May 1, after a month of resistance, we need to show that the people refuse to give up,” Guevara said.
Late Saturday, hundreds of people marched by candlelight, flowers in their arms, to pay homage to those killed in the latest protests.
“We are here to remember our friends who have been killed seeking the release of those on our side who have been jailed. The (dead) deserve this recognition from all of Venezuela,” said law student Amanda Fioretti, 20.
Rights group Amnesty International last week urged the government to stop the “persecution” and “arbitrary detention” of protesters.
People participate in a march paying tribute to student Juan Pablo Pernalete u2013 killed on April 26 by the impact of a gas grenade during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro u2013 in Caracas.
