In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry condemned what it considers "serious aviation safety violations" by the Portuguese airline TAP during the flight carrying Congressman Juan Guaidó last Wednesday, February 12.
"On the aforementioned flight, Congressman Juan Guaidó was facilitated to board the aircraft, using a false identity, in clear violation of ICAO guidelines on passenger identification," the text states.
It also details that another passenger on the same flight, "a relative and companion of the aforementioned deputy, transported prohibited materials and explosive substances, incurring in an even more serious violation of aeronautical safety regulations."
Venezuela demands from the Portuguese authorities the appropriate explanation and the opening of a rigorous investigation.
Here is the full text:
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its condemnation of the serious irregularities committed by the airline TAP de Portugal, in flight TP173 dated February 12, 2020, which contravene the security provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO).
In the first place, the aforementioned flight facilitated the boarding of deputy Juan Guaidó on the aircraft, who used a false identity, in clear disregard of the ICAO guidelines on passenger identification.
Similarly, the Venezuelan authorities were able to identify that another passenger on the same flight, a relative and companion of the aforementioned deputy, transported prohibited materials and substances of an explosive nature, incurring in an even more serious violation of aeronautical safety regulations.
Consequently, Venezuela demands from the Portuguese authorities the corresponding explanations and the opening of a rigorous investigation in relation to these events, since both situations have only been able to develop with the consent of the police authorities of that country.
Based on the foregoing, Venezuela objects and considers light and without foundation the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, Augusto Santos Silva, in attempting to minimize such a serious situation and ignore the risks to the safety of passengers and to peace. of the Venezuelan people.
Caracas, 14 febrero 2020
