The UK regrets that the Venezuelan authorities have today prevented Lilian Tintori, the human rights activist and wife of Leopoldo Lopez, from leaving the country. We condemn the timing of this decision. Ms Tintori was due to visit London this week for a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss human rights, as part of an important initiative to update European governments on the situation in Venezuela. The UK hopes that Ms Tintori will be permitted to travel soon.

The UK calls on all parties in Venezuela to come together to negotiate concrete actions to put the country on a path that respects the Venezuelan people’s human rights and democratic aspirations. In particular, it is the responsibility of the Venezuelan government to avoid further steps that increase tension and take Venezuela away from democracy.

The Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said:

Aung Sang Suu Kyi is rightly regarded as one of the most inspiring figures of our age but the treatment of the Rohingya is alas besmirching the reputation of Burma. She faces huge challenges in modernising her country. I hope she can now use all her remarkable qualities to unite her country, to stop the violence and to end the prejudice that afflicts both muslims and other communities in Rakhine. It is vital that she receives the support of the Burmese military, and that her attempts at peacemaking are not frustrated. She and all in Burma will have our full support in this.

Notes to Editors

• The UK has provided nearly £8 million to address the humanitarian suffering of Rohingya refugees and the vulnerable Bangladeshi communities that host them.
• Earlier this week, the UK raised the situation in Rakhine in the UN Security Council. Our immediate priority is to make sure food and medical assistance can be provided to displaced civilians from all communities. We are also urging the Government of Burma to address the underlying issues in Rakhine.

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