Concerns growing in CARICOM over Venezuela violence

CARICOM, the regional integration grouping, has expressed concern about the confrontations which have taken place in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela over the past few days in the course of demonstrations.{{more}}

In a statement issued this week, CARICOM, which is currently chaired by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, also said it deplored the deaths of three persons arising from the resulting acts of violence.

The Community calls for respect for the democratically elected Government of the Bolivarian Republic, the statement said.

In all democracies, citizens have the right to air their views and differences; however, this must be done within the constitutional framework and not through violent demonstrations. No democratic society can reasonably pursue disorder or any unwarranted subversion of democratic institutions, CARICOM asserted.

CARICOM is calling on all parties to take the necessary steps to refrain from any further action that would hinder a peaceful resolution of the differences and a return to peace and calm in the country.