Representatives of the national chapters of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in the Americas gathered to express their support for maintaining democracy and the right to free enterprise in Venezuela. As a tense situation worsens in Venezuela, over 17 business organizations – including USCIB – representing more than 1 million companies in America and Spain condemned the unjustified actions of the Venezuelan government against the private sector and the Venezuelan people.

“The actions taken by the Venezuelan government are a clear violation of basic civil rights, attacking human dignity, intimidating the population, and veiled by corruption and impunity,” the ICC chapters said in a statement. “Urgent action must be taken to create a climate of trust based on respect towards the population  that promotes stable and strong relationships that benefit the majority of Venezuelans and not only the privileged in power.”

The business organizations said Venezuela will not reach the path of development and well-being by attacking the private sector, imprisoning executives or union leaders and limiting Venezuelans’ access to their basic rights.

“In a republican government system the separation of powers is a fundamental necessity for freedom,” the statement said. “The checks and balances of a democratic system find strength and virtue in this separation so as to mitigate possible future power struggles.”