Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question is related to the situation in Venezuela. It is incredibly significant and could be a real game changer in world politics. The Irish Government and the European Union have the potential to play a positive role. I appeal to the Government to start that role in a positive way. It was a big mistake for it and the European Union to support the unelected Juan Guaidó, who is a little far right-wing thug with very little support in Venezuela. He was educated in the ways of the Chicago school of economics in the hope that one day he could implement US neoliberal policies in Venezuela.

The position the Eurpean Union took was totally in breach of international law. I plead with the Minister of State to revisit the issue. The European Union should withdraw its support for Mr. Guaidó as interim President. It is absolute rubbish because he is not the President of Venezuela and never will be, bar a military intervention to impose him and him becoming a dictator, but he will never receive the support of the Venezuelan people. Do the Irish Government and the European Union have an appetite to play a positive role? Will they withdraw their support for Mr. Guaidó and act as intermediaries? The Government in Venezuela has done some great things in reducing the incidence of poverty and inequality, but it has also made many mistakes and is far from perfect. We would like it to sit down with the opposition, with intermediaries from Europe, to allow for dialogue between the different factions. What is required is mediation, not conflict. Supporting Mr. Guaidó and US sanctions will lead to polarisation and, at worst, bloodshed. Will the European Union play a mediation role in Venezuela? However, it first needs to withdraw its support for Mr. Guaidó as interim President.

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