Venezuela has cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay after President Santiago Pena endorsed opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, recognized by some as the president-elect following disputed elections. This action follows Venezuela’s earlier withdrawal of diplomats from several Latin American countries, amidst a backdrop of international concern over democratic processes in Venezuela.
Venezuela has officially severed diplomatic relations with Paraguay following a statement of support from Paraguayan President Santiago Pena for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who is recognized by the opposition as the winner of the Venezuelan presidential elections held in July 2024. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry articulated this decision as a sovereign act, citing the immediate withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Paraguay.
President Pena acknowledged his support for Gonzalez Urrutia during a phone discussion, referring to him as the president-elect of Venezuela. Additionally, he shared insights about his conversations with prominent opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado. Their discourse focused on the need to facilitate a democratic process in Venezuela amid claims of electoral fraud, where the National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro as the victor with 51.2% of the votes, in contrast to the 67% claim made by the opposition.
In recent months, the Venezuelan government has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from seven other Latin American nations owing to similar circumstances. Notably, Gonzalez Urrutia met with leaders in Argentina and Uruguay and engaged with U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed support for him on social media regarding his anticipated presidency.
The diplomatic landscape in Latin America has been shifting, particularly concerning Venezuela’s internal political strife. Following the contentious presidential elections, where Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner amid significant opposition challenges, tensions have escalated. Many countries in Latin America have recognized the opposition’s perspective, leading to fractures in Venezuela’s diplomatic relations with its neighbors. The endorsement of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia by Paraguay highlights the growing international support for the Venezuelan opposition and the resulting isolation of Maduro’s regime.
Venezuela’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay underscores the increasing regional divide regarding its political situation. With growing international support for the Venezuelan opposition, particularly for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Venezuela’s government continues to isolate itself diplomatically. The evolving landscape suggests potential challenges for Maduro’s administration as it faces opposition both at home and on the international stage.
Original Source: news.az
