Labour refuses to call for regime overhaul in Venezuela
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry says it would not achieve "lasting change" as focus grows on the South American country.
Wednesday 6 February 2019 16:14, UK
Labour has dismissed the decision of the UK and European governments to refuse to recognise Nicolas Maduro as Venezuelan president.
Emily Thornberry, the party's shadow foreign secretary, said such action would not achieve "lasting change".
She called for "dialogue", arguing that Western powers' recognition of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president was "not the way to treat another country".
Ms Thornberry added a Labour government would not tolerate human rights abuses committed by "governments who call themselves socialist".
The UK announced on Monday it recognised Mr Guaido as acting president to end a "humanitarian crisis" in the South American country.
It had imposed an eight-day deadline for Mr Maduro to call a presidential election which he dismissed.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Friday that Venezuela's future was a matter for its citizens and criticised calls for sanctions.
"We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else," he said.
Ms Thornberry went further on Wednesday, saying: "We begin with dialogue. That offer has been made. Internally and externally we need to ensure that that happens.
"And I think that that's the best way to proceed - rather than to suddenly say 'that's it we've had enough, we recognise x, we don't recognise y anymore'.
"That's not the way to treat another country.
"Even a country in as desperate a situation as Venezuela.
"If we're going to have lasting and proper change, it has to be on the basis of dialogue, which hasn't happened yet."
Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson earlier told Sky News the party was still formulating its official position and needed to "take a little bit of time to consider the nuances of this".
Mr Maduro maintains the backing of Russia, China and Turkey, and the critical support of the military.
The socialist president - who was elected in 2013 and is widely viewed as a dictator - said he was determined that a "crazy war" would not erupt in his homeland.
Under him, Venezuela has suffered from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods and medicines.