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<p>Anti-government protests have been taking place in Caracas and other cities in
Venezuela since early February. Around 40 people have died, and over 500 injured.
About half the victims are anti-government protestors and the rest pro-government
supporters, security forces and bystanders. More than 2,000 people have been detained
in relation to the protests, although most have been released on parole. <br><br>We
are concerned by reports of excessive use of force in protests, and reports of armed
groups using violence. We condemn all acts of violence and call on all sides to show
restraint. It is important that the Venezuelan government respects the right to protest
peacefully and freedom of speech, and ensures that those detained are afforded due
process. We have called for all sides to avoid confrontation, reduce tensions and
to create the right conditions for genuine dialogue to take place. <br><br>The Minister
of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for East
Devon (Mr Swire), has written to the Venezuelan government emphasising the importance
of respecting peaceful protest and the importance of dialogue taking place between
the parties. He has offered the UK's assistance in the reconciliation process and
asked to speak to his Venezuelan opposite number. Our Embassy in Caracas urges peaceful
dialogue through its contacts with a range of actors in Venezuelan society.</p>
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