EPP Group sends an observation mission to the elections in Venezuela

The EPP Group today decided to send an observation mission to the elections to be held in Venezuela on Sunday. The mission will be led by Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group and spokesman for the Spanish Partido Popular Delegation in the European Parliament, Esteban González Pons.

The EPP Group took this decision after the European Parliament decided to cancel - due to the opposition of the socialist Group - the joint mission which had been approved on 26 November.

González Pons said: "It is important to attend these elections, which are crucial for Venezuela and for the whole region, and to ensure that the Venezuelan people can vote freely."

The EPP Group mission will go to Venezuela at the invitation of the democratic opposition, represented by Mesa de la Unidad Demcrática (MUD). MEPs Gabriel Mato, Agustín Diaz de Mera and Teresa Jiménez-Becerril will also participate.