We condemn the decision of the Bank of England to continue to refuse to return to Venezuela billions of dollars of its gold deposited there, which has a value of at least £3.5bn (or US $4.74 bn).

This part of the tough international economic sanctions on Venezuela from the US, UK and other countries, which have caused immeasurable suffering to the people of that country.

The Venezuelan gold deposited in the Bank of England is the property of the Venezuelan people, not British banks. Preventing its return, only hurts the poorest in Venezuelan society. 

We call on the British government to act honourably and make clear to the Bank of England that this gold must be returned to its rightful owners - the Venezuelan people.