A statement from the Foreign Ministry indicated that the sanctions constitute “an aggression” against the entire Venezuelan population and hinder the development of the economic and social life of the country.

It demanded the return of assets belonging to the Venezuelan State illegally withheld by foreign countries and financial institutions.

Venezuela stressed that the way to advance in the political dialogue goes through the “full compliance” of the commitment reached at the Negotiation Table in Mexico last November for the creation of a Social Fund, destined for investments in health, education, public services and risk mitigation.

The official delegation of the Venezuelan Executive and the self-styled opposition Unitary Platform signed a document for the amount of three thousand 200 million dollars, to be used in social assistance.

The statement of the Foreign Ministry also demanded the “immediate release” of the Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab, unjustly detained in the United States.

The note specified that it has been demonstrated that the development of a country, its people, and constitutional and democratic institutions, “cannot be carried out under constant aggression, coercion, and threat.”

The Bolivarian Republic stated that it believes in peace and diplomacy, which is built, without aggression, with respect and in conditions of equality. Only in this way can constructive, cooperative and mutually beneficial relations be built among all the peoples of the world, it said.

jrr/llp/npg/jcd