WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“I stand with the people of Venezuela who have taken to the streets today to exercise their democratic rights and reject Nicolas Maduro’s authoritarian rule. The most fundamental characteristic of any democracy is allowing one’s citizens to choose their own leaders, and the Venezuelan people deserve the right to do just this. I also urge the Venezuelan security forces to exercise the utmost restraint and respect the rights of all of their fellow citizens. Finally, I encourage the Trump Administration to work with our friends and allies in the region and take all necessary steps to protect our diplomats in Caracas at this critical moment.”

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