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Venezuela Blasts 'Interventionist' EU Resolution

Venezuela has reacted angrily to a European Parliament resolution accusing the Latin American nation of persecuting the opposition, saying Europe is trying to divert attention from its own financial woes.

Lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg passed a motion last week urging Caracas to withdraw arrest warrants against opposition politicians, and to disarm and dissolve pro-government associations.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also weighed in on the matter, saying she was concerned by the arrests of opposition leaders and students.

In its statement Sunday, the foreign ministry blasted the European Parliament resolution as "interventionist and deeply disrespectful."

"It is worrying that the European Parliament as well as (Mogherini) are diverting attention from the serious economic crisis affecting EU member countries -- caused by social cuts and the consequent structural poverty suffered by their people -- and are focusing their efforts on discrediting the Bolivarian Revolution," the foreign ministry statement read.

Separately, U.S. President Barack Obama signed a law last week allowing sanctions against senior Venezuelan officials accused of violating the rights of protesters during anti-government demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year.

The Venezuelan government has reacted furiously to the move, saying the United States is seeking to overthrow Maduro.

Source: Agence France Presse


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