During a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament, former opposition presidential candidate and current governor of northwestern Zulia state Manuel Rosales called for the European lawmakers' solidarity and support vis-à-vis "threats facing both democracy and freedom of expression" in Venezuela.   

He urged the European Parliament to "look at and closely scrutinize the ambush on Venezuelan democracy and the democratic deficit" prevailing in the country, and to "reach out for the Venezuelan people."

He described the meeting as "successful."

"They are preparing an interesting report. Both in Europe and other world scenarios there is concern about the Venezuelan issue. Evidence is within sight: a television channel (RCTV) is about to be closed down in political retaliation."