The Foreign Ministers and representatives of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru, meeting in Lima on August 8, 2017 to discuss the critical situation In Venezuela and explore ways to help restore democracy there through a peaceful and negotiated solution;

Inspired by the spirit of solidarity that characterizes the region and in the belief that negotiation--with full respect for the norms of international law and the principle of non-intervention--does not threaten human rights and democracy and is the only way to ensure a lasting solution to differences;

Declare:

1. Their condemnation of the breakdown of democratic order in Venezuela.

2. Their decision not to recognize the National Constituent Assembly or the laws it adopts because of its illegitimate nature.

3. Their full support for and solidarity with the democratically-elected National Assembly.

4. The legal acts that, according to the Constitution, require the approval of the National Assembly, will only be recognized when passed by said body.

5. Their strong rejection of violence and any alternative involving the use of force.

6. Their support for and solidarity with the Attorney General and officials of the Venezuelan Public Ministry and their demand for implementation of the precautionary measures issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

7. Their condemnation of the systematic violation of human rights and basic liberties, the violence, the repression and the political persecution, the existence of political prisoners and the lack of free elections under independent international observation.

8. That Venezuela does not comply with the requirements or obligations of the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

9. Their serious concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in the country and their condemnation of the government for not allowing the entry of food and medicines for the Venezuelan people.

10. Their decision to continue applying the Inter-American Democratic Charter to Venezuela.

11. Their support for the decision by MERCOSUR to suspend Venezuela based on the Ushuaia Protocol on Democratic Commitment.

12. Their decision not to support any Venezuelan candidate to the regional and international mechanisms and organizations.

13. Their call to stop arms transfers to Venezuela under Articles 6 and 7 of the Arms Trade Treaty.

14. That, taking current conditions into account, they will ask the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC and the European Union to postpone the CELAC-EU Summit scheduled for October 2017.

15. Their commitment to follow the situation in Venezuela at the ministerial level until democracy is fully restored in the country, and to meet no later than at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly, when other countries will have the opportunity to join them.

16. Their readiness to contribute urgently and with respect for Venezuelan sovereignty to all credible and good-faith efforts at negotiations that have the consensus of all parties and are aimed at reaching a peaceful restoration of democracy in the country.