Venezuela has severed diplomatic relations with Paraguay following President Santiago Pena’s support for opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel. The contentious July 2024 elections reported Maduro as the winner, though the opposition claims victory. Gonzalez Urrutia is gaining international support, having met with leaders such as President Biden.
Venezuela has officially severed its diplomatic relations with Paraguay, a decision stemming from President Santiago Pena’s endorsement of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, an opposition candidate in Venezuela’s presidential elections. In a statement issued by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, it was declared that the government would proceed with the immediate withdrawal of its accredited diplomatic personnel from Paraguay. President Pena recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the victor of the July 2024 elections, which the Venezuelan government has disputed, claiming a narrow win for incumbent Nicolas Maduro.
During a recent meeting with opposition leaders, including Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado, President Pena discussed the current political climate in Venezuela and emphasized the necessity of facilitating a democratic process amid the ongoing turmoil.
The National Electoral Council of Venezuela reported that Maduro secured a third term with 51.2% of the vote against Gonzalez Urrutia’s 44.2%, although opposition factions claim their candidate received 67% of the votes. Previously, following the disputed elections, Venezuela had also withdrawn its diplomatic staff from several other Latin American countries including Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Gonzalez Urrutia has recently engaged with international leaders, meeting with both President Javier Milei of Argentina and President Joe Biden of the United States, reflecting the growing international attention on the political situation in Venezuela.
The diplomatic rift between Venezuela and Paraguay can be traced back to political tensions surrounding Venezuela’s presidential elections, which have been marred by allegations of fraud and manipulation. President Nicolas Maduro’s government has faced significant opposition, both domestically and internationally. President Santiago Pena’s recognition of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president-elect symbolizes growing support for the Venezuelan opposition and highlights the challenges faced by Maduro’s administration. This diplomatic cutoff aligns with Venezuela’s recent history of expelling diplomats from various nations that have recognized opposition leaders, as part of its broader strategy to manage its international relationships regarding the legitimacy of its government.
In summary, Venezuela’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay signifies its ongoing struggle with international recognition and domestic opposition. The endorsement of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia by President Santiago Pena exacerbates an already contentious political scenario for Venezuela, where the legitimacy of electoral outcomes remains deeply contested. This development not only affects bilateral relations but also illustrates the increasing polarization of Venezuela’s political landscape amid growing external support for the opposition.
Original Source: news.az
