Argentine President Javier Milei has demanded the immediate release of Nahuel Gallo, an arrested Argentine soldier in Venezuela. Gallo was detained while visiting his family and is described by Milei as a victim of the oppressive regime of Nicolás Maduro. Relations between Argentina and Venezuela are currently strained due to political tensions following disputed elections.
On Tuesday, Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, publicly condemned the arrest of Argentine soldier Nahuel Gallo by Venezuelan authorities, insisting on his immediate release. Gallo was detained earlier in December while visiting his family in Venezuela, having entered the country from Colombia. President Milei characterized the Venezuelan leadership under Nicolás Maduro as a “criminal dictatorship” and emphasized Argentina’s commitment to diplomatic efforts for Gallo’s safe return, stating, “We demand his immediate release and we will exhaust all diplomatic paths to return him safely to Argentina.”
Amidst heightened tensions, the arrest appears to exacerbate the already strained relations between Argentina and Venezuela. Although diplomatic ties remain technically intact, the expulsion of Argentine diplomats from Venezuela last August following accusations of election fraud by President Milei’s administration highlights the ongoing discord. Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, suggested that Gallo was involved in some clandestine activity without providing further clarification.
The backdrop of this incident is the broader geopolitical context in which Milei’s libertarian government openly denounces the socialist regime of Maduro, challenging the legitimacy of the Venezuelan presidential elections, which Milei’s government rejected as fraudulent. The situation continues to evolve as both nations navigate the implications of Gallo’s arrest.
The diplomatic relationship between Argentina and Venezuela has been complicated, particularly following the July 2023 presidential elections in Venezuela, which Argentina’s government condemned as illegitimate. President Javier Milei has been vocal in his criticism of Nicolás Maduro’s government, often using disparaging language. Nahuel Gallo’s arrest adds a new layer of tension, as Argentina feels compelled to seek his release under challenging diplomatic circumstances, coupled with past incidents of expelled diplomats and severe disagreements regarding governance and human rights in Venezuela.
In conclusion, the arrest of Argentine soldier Nahuel Gallo by Venezuelan authorities has sparked a significant diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Venezuela. President Javier Milei’s demands for Gallo’s release underscore the deteriorating relations between the two nations, marked by accusations of electoral misconduct and ideological differences. As diplomatic efforts unfold, the resolution of this incident remains to be seen amid the ongoing tensions between Milei’s administration and Maduro’s regime.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
