MADURO DECRIES IACHR FINDINGS AS PLOT AGAINST BRV

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000492 SIPDIS SIPDIS HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD DEPARTMENT PASS TO AID/OTI (RPORTER),USOAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2028 TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM VE SUBJECT: MADURO DECRIES IACHR FINDINGS AS PLOT AGAINST BRV Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL COUNSELOR DANIEL LAWTON FOR REASON 1.4 (D) ¶1. (SBU) Local media reported the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights' (IACHR) criticism of Venezuela on April 5, the day after the of the IACHR annual report in Washington. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro subsequently issued a communique on April 5 harshly criticizing the findings of IACHR annual report calling it a "subjective" and "impartial" undertaking. Maduro alleged the report formed part of an international campaign, orchestrated by the USG, to undermine the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) and its institutions. Moreover, the minister called on regional governments to speak out against the organization's "biased" conclusions on Venezuela. ¶2. (SBU) Specifically, Maduro discredited the report's sources saying the IACHR only collaborated with organizations that hold a "clear opposition agenda that stands in marked contrast to that of the government." He also accused the Commission of not giving the BRV credit for its "advances" in protecting and promoting economic and social rights in the country. Maduro was responding to the report's conclusions that the BRV's hostile attitude toward independent civil society, political actors, NGOs, and the media is "taking a series toll" on the ability of Venezuelans to benefit from rights protected under the Inter-American system. In addition, the report reiterated its concerns over the BRV's unwillingness to agree to an OAS observation mission to discuss human rights. ¶3. (C) Comment: Maduro's statements are consistent with the BRV's hostile attitude toward the work of the IACHR. The BRV once again opted to discredit the Commission rather than address the specific concerns raised in the report. End Comment. DUDDY