China with Caracas against ‘foreign interference’ in the vote

(ANSA) – CARACAS, MARCH 29 – The Chinese government reiterated on Friday its support for the “sovereignty and independence” of Venezuela, in reference to the presidential elections of 28 July. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes “foreign interference” in Caracas’ internal affairs, thus responding to “concerns” expressed by the US State Department. “China respects the national sovereignty and independence of Venezuela,” supports the country “in carrying out the electoral process in accordance with its constitution and laws, and opposes external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs, Lin said in response to a statement from the US department which said it was “deeply concerned” by the fact that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council has limited the possibility for opposition candidates to register to participate in the elections”, we read on the Global Times. In the last few hours, the Venezuelan Electoral Council, with a statement, also rejected “the US State Department’s insolent and false questioning of the electoral body, which seeks to discredit one of the most solid institutions of the robust Venezuelan democracy “. “It will not be the brazenness of the US State Department that will determine the processes to be followed in this prestigious electoral system.” Meanwhile, the Venezuelan ambassador to Brasilia, Manuel Vadell, asked for a meeting at Planalto, after criticism from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defined the exclusion of opposition candidate Corina Yoris as “serious”. (HANDLE).