Colombia is “deeply concerned” about recent violence in Venezuela’s National Assembly that left several opposition lawmakers injured, the country’s foreign minister said Thursday.
In a press conference held in Bogota, Foreign Minister Maria Holguin said the administration of President Juan Manuel Santos “expresses a deep concern for what we’ve seen.”
Following elections last month that were won by Nicolas Maduro — a loyal supporter of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, violence erupted throughout the country. The fighting on Tuesday expanded to the country’s National Assembly resulting in 11 injured lawmakers, four of the government coalition and seven of the opposition.
“We believe that it is fundamental that the differences and disagreements between Venezuela’s main [political] currents are dealt with in a civilized manner with all the tolerance and respect that this issue and the Venezuelans deserve,” said Holguin in response to the violence.
The foreign minister added that “countries that have suffered violence for so many years know that you don’t achieve anything with it.”
Last month, Colombia was one of the first countries to congratulate Maduro on his electoral win that is still disputed by the opposition that demands to be annulled over fraud charges.
MORE: Colombia congratulates Maduro for disputed Venezuela election victory
To seek support for the opposition’s call for new election, former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles on Thursday announced to visit Colombia as part of an international tour.