Government insists on free and fair elections

The Federal government calls for fair and free presidential elections in Venezuela. If President Maduro is not preliminary to the election, to organize his adversary Guaidó the process. US President, Trump has agreed to meet with Guaidó a regular exchange. the

German foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) has called on Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro strongly, immediately and new elections be held. Maduro had to initiate a change of course "without delay" and a "credible political process in the framework of the Venezuelan Constitution," said Maas on in the Bundestag. The only way the legitimacy of the government, the rule of law and the respect for the Dignity of the people could be produced in Venezuela. "Nicolás Maduro, lacks any democratic legitimacy, he is not the democratically elected President of Venezuela," said Maas.

At the same time, the Minister expressed great skepticism that Maduro will comply with the demands. Then apply what has been said by the EU high representative for foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini already. Mogherini had threatened on Saturday with "other measures" of the EU, should be withdrawn until Sunday, no new presidential elections for Venezuela.

Germany wants to continue the help for refugees

Maas said that he would vote on Thursday in Bucharest with the other EU foreign Ministers next steps. It is going to support the Venezuelans on the way to new elections and to prevent the situation escalating even further. Maas called the States in Venezuela, "unbearable". He referred, among other things, on the about 12 500 people who were arrested in connection with protests against the government since 2014 as well as the use of deadly force against protesters. The crisis in Venezuela had become a threat to the stability of the entire Region.