UNITED NATIONS, (Reuters) – Peru’s president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski told the United Nations General Assembly yesterday that his government is concerned about what he called the critical economic and social situation in Venezuela, citing shortfalls of food and medicine.
It was the latest in a series of diplomatic blows to Venezuela, a member of OPEC that is suffering through a major economic crisis with food supplies depleted and triple-digit inflation.
“It is unavoidable that I mention our concern for the very critical political, economic and social situation that our friendly nation of Venezuela is experiencing,” Kuczynski said in an official address to the annual gathering of world leaders.
Venezuela’s representative to the United Nations, Rafael Ramirez, could not immediately be reached for comment on the remarks by Kuczynski, an economist who took office in July.
Venezuela’s opposition failed to draw large numbers on Friday in its latest protests against President Nicolas Maduro, and the national election board delayed a decision on the next stage of a possible referendum on his socialist rule.
The opposition, which wants to unseat Maduro this year through a recall referendum, said his administration has cracked down on dissent by rounding up protesters and jailing high-profile figures, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.
“Full-fledged democracy requires absolute respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as due process,” Kuczynski said. “It also requires the full guarantee of the respect of the separation of powers and checks and balances.”
