European Parliament
Ana Gomes  (S&D ).
(PT)
Mr President, President Chávez is undeniably a leader with popular support thanks to the social advances his presidency has brought to the overwhelming majority of the Venezuelan population. Having said that, he is also a demagogue and populist and, personally, I am not a fan. There are human rights violations in Venezuela. They are perhaps not as serious as in other countries, but they exist.
I have a great deal of respect for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. However, I do not think this resolution is justified, as any decision to leave is a sovereign decision. While it is one that can be criticised, it has not yet been taken and I hope it will not be taken.

