Rep. Salmon Statement on Venezuela’s Admission to the U.N. Security Council

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) today issued the following statement upon hearing news that Venezuela had been elected as a member of the United Nations Security Council.

“Today’s election of Venezuela as a non-permanent member to the United Nations Security Council representing GRULAC (the Latin America and Caribbean Group) is a terrible blow to the region’s commitment to human rights and democracy.

“Since succeeding his mentor, late President Hugo Chavez, President Maduro has been undermining the pillars of democracy in Venezuela.  In addition to violating the rights of peaceful protestors and dissenters, including the improper and purely retaliatory detention of Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuela has used its weight to undermine basic human rights and democratic values in regional organizations, including the OAS.  We can expect the same during its term on the United Nations Security Council.

“There should be no expectation that Venezuela, under its current leadership, will promote international peace and security, nor support respect for human rights during its two year term. GRULAC members know this intuitively, but have chosen the path of least resistance over the lofty goals of the United Nations. This is a truly tragic development.”

Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
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