Venezuela has severed diplomatic ties with Paraguay after President Santiago Pena endorsed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, recognizing him as the winner of the July 2024 elections. This reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, with earlier withdrawals of Venezuelan diplomats from various nations. Gonzalez Urrutia is pursuing international support and advocating for democracy in Venezuela.
Venezuela has officially severed diplomatic ties with Paraguay following Paraguayan President Santiago Pena’s endorsement of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced the decision, asserting the country’s sovereignty and declaring the immediate withdrawal of its diplomatic staff from Paraguay. President Pena’s support for Gonzalez Urrutia came after a discussion that recognized him as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s presidential elections held in July 2024.
In a statement, Pena emphasized the importance of promoting democratic processes in Venezuela, having met with leaders of the Venezuelan opposition, including Maria Corina Machado. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council had declared incumbent leader Nicolas Maduro the election victor, though the opposition contests these results, claiming a majority of 67% of the vote.
The recent diplomatic rift is part of broader tensions, as Venezuela had previously retracted its diplomats from seven other Latin American nations. Gonzalez Urrutia’s regional outreach included meetings with leaders in Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States, where he met with President Joe Biden, who expressed support for him on social media. Gonzalez Urrutia plans to continue his tour through Panama and the Dominican Republic to further solidify his position.
The diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various Latin American countries have been strained due to political upheaval and contested elections, primarily under President Nicolas Maduro’s rule. Following Maduro’s controversial win in July 2024, significant opposition figures, including Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, have garnered international support, seeking to challenge the ruling regime. This situation escalated further when President Pena of Paraguay publicly endorsed Gonzalez Urrutia, provoking Venezuela’s decision to cut ties, reflecting ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.
Venezuela’s decision to cut diplomatic relations with Paraguay underscores the volatile political landscape in Latin America, particularly surrounding the legitimacy of electoral processes. The continued recognition and support for opposition figures like Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia by foreign leaders illustrates the complexities of regional politics and the significant divide between the Maduro regime and its opponents. This diplomatic fallout may lead to further isolation of the Venezuelan government on the international stage.
Original Source: news.az
