EC's Ashton calls for calm in Venezuela

BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- All parties to violence in Venezuela are called to put aside their differences and find a way to address the concerns of the people, an EU official said.

Catherine Ashton, foreign policy chief for the European Union, said in a statement Friday she was worried about the continued unrest in Venezuela.

"I call upon the government and the opposition to pursue a comprehensive dialogue aimed at meeting the legitimate concerns of the people of Venezuela," she said.

The U.S. State Department expressed frustration Wednesday with the detention of protesters in Venezuela and called on the government to honor its obligations to protect fundamental freedoms.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said during a press briefing that Washington was weighing its options after President Nicolas Maduro ordered U.S. diplomats to leave the country.

Ashton said she too was frustrated with detention of activities and the alleged harassment of opposition figures.

El Universal, a Venezuelan newspaper, reported Thursday the government dropped terrorism charges against opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, though the BBC reported Friday he was still behind bars.

Maduro said members of the opposition are working with outside support to topple his government. He took power last year after President Hugo Chavez died of cancer.