(VOVworld) – Venezuela has strongly condemned a resolution by the European Parliament that condemns Venezuela for "persecution" of the democratic opposition. In a statement released on Sunday, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry blasted the resolution as "interventionist” and an effort to discredit the Bolivarian Revolution. The Ministry said the European Parliament is trying to divert public attention from the serious economic crisis affecting EU member countries.

The European Parliament adopts a resolution demanding the release of opposition leaders. (Photo: DPA)

The European Parliament passed the resolution last week urging Caracas to withdraw arrest warrants against opposition politicians and to disarm and dissolve government-backed associations.