Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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226. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the murder of the youngest MP (details supplied) in Venezuela; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the reports emerging suggest that they were tortured and assassinated in a premeditated attack; his views on the increase in violent attacks on left-wing politicians and Government officials in Venezuela; and his further views that they are part of violent and orchestrated attacks to destabilise the Venezuelan Government. [39121/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the tragic deaths in question. I extend my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and, indeed, to the families of all the victims of the violence that is, sadly, so widespread in Venezuela. I am deeply concerned at the ongoing situation; in particular with regard to the deaths, casualties and detentions arising from the continued unrest and at the apparently high level of impunity in the case of serious crimes. I urge the full, impartial investigation of all incidents in accordance with due legal process. I support the statements by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton welcoming the meetings that took place earlier this year between the government and the opposition. I urge all sides to resume these talks and I continue to hope that all parties, including government, opposition, students and civil society can work together to find a consensus for overcoming the current situation.

Together with our EU partners, we support the regional efforts underway to encourage dialogue and an immediate end to violence and unrest.