G.O.B. Supports OAS Call Over Venezuela’s Election Results

Back in August, Minister for Foreign Affairs Francis Fonesca told reporters that Belize abstained from an O.A.S resolution calling for an audit of Venezuela’s recent elections. The resolution was triggered after the country’s opposition accused the Maduro camp of rigging the election. The Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher and representatives from the Elections and Boundaries Department were present during the elections as observers.  Today, reporters asked Minister Fonseca for an update on Belize’s position. He explained that Belize supported the OAS’ latest call for transparency and accountability where the recent election results are concerned.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“My understanding is the minister of the public service did go. I don’t know if he went as an observer. I know a team from elections and boundaries were invited as observers. I think the chief elections officer and a few others. So, I believe the minister accompanied them. In what capacity, I don’t know. But he accompanied them. Now, in terms of the OAS resolutions that have been passed, I mean, Belize the last resolution that was passed, Belize, it was passed by consensus, what they call consensus. You don’t have to vote yes or no, but you’re present and you support. Belize supported that resolution calling for the disclosure of all the rules calling for more transparency, calling for accountability, calling for a halt to any human rights abuses, any imprisonment of any political persons. Belize supported that. That was a consensus vote. Some members of CARICOM did not attend that meeting. So, they did not support by consensus, but Belize deliberately made the decision that we would participate, we would attend. And we would support that consensus. Well, that’s the last O. A.S. Resolution, which believes supported.”