Kerry criticizes Venezuela's use of force against protesters
Iran Press TV
Sat Feb 22, 2014 10:52AM GMT
The United States has strongly criticized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for use of force and violence against anti-government protesters.
'The government's use of force and judicial intimidation against citizens and political figures, who are exercising a legitimate right to protest, is unacceptable and will only increase the likelihood of violence,' Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement on Friday.
The Venezuelan government 'has confronted peaceful protesters with force and in some cases with armed vigilantes claiming to support the government,' he added.
The top US diplomat declined to respond to President Maduro's offer for talks after he invited President Barack Obama to hold a high-level dialogue.
Maduro accused the Obama administration of plotting to topple his government.
The Venezuelan president has also threatened to block the US news network of CNN of inciting 'civil war.'
CNN said several of its Spanish-language and English-language journalists had seen their press credentials revoked or refused.
'This is not how democracies behave,' Kerry said.
'The solution to Venezuela's problems can only be found through dialogue with all Venezuelans, engaging in a free exchange of opinions in a climate of mutual respect,' Kerry said.
Venezuela has been the scene of demonstrations for the past three weeks. At least six people have been killed in street protests.
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