23/08/2019
Trade Unions Demand Action Over US-Venezuela Relations
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Congress) has urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs to clarify the Irish Government's position on the escalation of US sanctions against the people of Venezuela.
Congress urged Simon Coveney to take action against the latest measures, as the Trump administration ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the US and barred transactions with its authorities.
In a letter to the Minister on Wednesday 21 August, Congress General Secretary, Patricia King, said the recent extension of economic and financial sanctions will aggravate a dire humanitarian situation which has already forced millions to flee Venezuela.
"We are deeply concerned at the latest imposition of severe sanctions on the government and people of Venezuela," Ms King said. "At our recent conference in Dublin in July, delegates representing over 600,000 workers in Ireland called for an end to foreign interference in Venezuela. We would urge the Irish government and the EU to make it clear to the US administration that its escalation of sanctions will inflict untold hardship on the already suffering people of Venezuela and should be lifted immediately."
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who has raised concern about previous sanctions imposed by Washington condemned the latest measures as "extremely broad" with the potential to exacerbate suffering among an already vulnerable population.
She said that she was deeply worried about the potentially severe impact on the human rights of the people of Venezuela and said the sanctions fail to contain sufficient measures to mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
Congress International Officer, David Joyce added: "At our Biennial Delegate Conference in July, Congress rejected the Trump administration's position of 'regime change' in Venezuela, which is illegal under international law. The future of their country is a matter for Venezuelans alone to determine and the only correct way forward must be based on the call for dialogue from Mexico, Bolivia, Uruguay and others and a negotiated peaceful settlement endorsed by the people of Venezuela."
Congress was dismayed earlier this year when the Irish government recognised the US backed politician, Juan Guaido, as interim President of Venezuela and has urged Mr Coveney to put all of Ireland's diplomatic efforts into ensuring a negotiated solution and to make our views known to the US administration.
(JG/CM)
Congress urged Simon Coveney to take action against the latest measures, as the Trump administration ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the US and barred transactions with its authorities.
In a letter to the Minister on Wednesday 21 August, Congress General Secretary, Patricia King, said the recent extension of economic and financial sanctions will aggravate a dire humanitarian situation which has already forced millions to flee Venezuela.
"We are deeply concerned at the latest imposition of severe sanctions on the government and people of Venezuela," Ms King said. "At our recent conference in Dublin in July, delegates representing over 600,000 workers in Ireland called for an end to foreign interference in Venezuela. We would urge the Irish government and the EU to make it clear to the US administration that its escalation of sanctions will inflict untold hardship on the already suffering people of Venezuela and should be lifted immediately."
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who has raised concern about previous sanctions imposed by Washington condemned the latest measures as "extremely broad" with the potential to exacerbate suffering among an already vulnerable population.
She said that she was deeply worried about the potentially severe impact on the human rights of the people of Venezuela and said the sanctions fail to contain sufficient measures to mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
Congress International Officer, David Joyce added: "At our Biennial Delegate Conference in July, Congress rejected the Trump administration's position of 'regime change' in Venezuela, which is illegal under international law. The future of their country is a matter for Venezuelans alone to determine and the only correct way forward must be based on the call for dialogue from Mexico, Bolivia, Uruguay and others and a negotiated peaceful settlement endorsed by the people of Venezuela."
Congress was dismayed earlier this year when the Irish government recognised the US backed politician, Juan Guaido, as interim President of Venezuela and has urged Mr Coveney to put all of Ireland's diplomatic efforts into ensuring a negotiated solution and to make our views known to the US administration.
(JG/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 February 2020
Incoming Govt Must Prioritise Affordable Rental Homes
Ireland's incoming new government must prioritise the roll out of affordable cost rental homes, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has said.
Incoming Govt Must Prioritise Affordable Rental Homes
Ireland's incoming new government must prioritise the roll out of affordable cost rental homes, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has said.
22 September 2009
Public Pay And Pensions For 'Chop'
The Taoiseach has incurred the wrath of the unions after signalling public pay and pensions were likely to be targeted for further cuts in December's budget. Brian Cowen confirmed yesterday that the budget would result in cuts "right across the board", including public-sector pay and pensions.
Public Pay And Pensions For 'Chop'
The Taoiseach has incurred the wrath of the unions after signalling public pay and pensions were likely to be targeted for further cuts in December's budget. Brian Cowen confirmed yesterday that the budget would result in cuts "right across the board", including public-sector pay and pensions.
03 March 2020
23% Increase In Number Of People On Trolleys In February 2020 - INMO
February 2020 saw a 23% increase in the number of patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals compared to a year before. According to the latest Trolley Watch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, 10,446 admitted patients were without beds in hospitals last month.
23% Increase In Number Of People On Trolleys In February 2020 - INMO
February 2020 saw a 23% increase in the number of patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals compared to a year before. According to the latest Trolley Watch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, 10,446 admitted patients were without beds in hospitals last month.
07 September 2017
ICTU Calls For €1bn Home-Building Fund
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a €1billion home-building fund. It also urged the government to end the reduced VAT rate for the Tourism sector that has cost some €2.2 billion in lost revenue and invest in key services such as Education, Health and Childcare to lower living costs.
ICTU Calls For €1bn Home-Building Fund
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a €1billion home-building fund. It also urged the government to end the reduced VAT rate for the Tourism sector that has cost some €2.2 billion in lost revenue and invest in key services such as Education, Health and Childcare to lower living costs.
05 March 2020
Prospect Of Fianna Fáil And Fine Gael Govt 'Outrageous' - SF
Sinn Féin have described the prospect of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being returned to office as "outrageous". Lead negotiator Pearse Doherty TD has said that 'the people voted for change and change is what needs to happen.
Prospect Of Fianna Fáil And Fine Gael Govt 'Outrageous' - SF
Sinn Féin have described the prospect of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being returned to office as "outrageous". Lead negotiator Pearse Doherty TD has said that 'the people voted for change and change is what needs to happen.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry mostly sunny and warm day. Cloud in the east will clear during the morning leaving the afternoon sunny but cooler in the onshore easterly breeze. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:The night will continue dry with long bright or clear periods. Patchy cloud will thicken across eastern parts at times towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.