Venezuela

Mr. Pike
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with (a) the USA, (b) the EU and (c) Spain regarding the restoration of full democracy and stability in Venezuela; and if she will make a statement. [111641]

Clare Short
My colleagues in the Foreign Office are in regular and extensive contact with EU partners and members of the Group of Friends of Venezuela supporting the Organisation of American States (OAS) facilitation efforts, in which they have stressed the importance of respect for the constitution and for democratic principles.

Mr. Pike
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with non-governmental organisations regarding working with Venezuelan authorities and NGOs to restore stability in Venezuela; and if she will make a statement. [111642]

Clare Short
The British Embassy is in regular contact with local NGOs in Venezuela and provide support for a number of those NGOs.