Venezuela has severed diplomatic ties with Paraguay after President Santiago Peña supported opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who claims electoral victory in the July 2024 presidential elections. The Venezuelan government has previously withdrawn its diplomatic staff from multiple Latin American nations. Gonzalez Urrutia has also met with international leaders, seeking to reinforce his legitimacy in the wake of disputed elections.
Venezuela has officially cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay following President Santiago Peña’s recognition of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a prominent opposition figure, as the rightful winner of Venezuela’s presidential elections held in July 2024. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced this decision, emphasizing it as an exercise of national sovereignty and indicating a withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Paraguay.
During a recent phone call, Peña acknowledged Gonzalez Urrutia’s electoral success and revealed details of his meeting with Venezuelan opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado. They stressed the need to navigate Venezuela’s democratic process amidst growing tensions. According to Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), President Nicolas Maduro secured a third consecutive term by obtaining 51.2% of the votes, while Gonzalez Urrutia’s supporters claim he achieved 67% of the electoral support.
In a broader context, the Venezuelan government has previously repositioned its diplomatic staff from seven other Latin American nations, including Argentina and Peru. Recently, Gonzalez Urrutia engaged in diplomatic discussions with leaders from several countries, including a meeting with President Javier Milei in Argentina and a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed his endorsement of Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela’s president-elect, reinforcing his claim to legitimacy.
Plans for further engagement in the region include upcoming visits by Gonzalez Urrutia to Panama and the Dominican Republic, indicating a strategy to solidify support against the Maduro administration.
The recent severance of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Paraguay highlights the ongoing political turmoil within Venezuela, culminating from disputed election results. The conflict arises from President Santiago Peña’s support for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who claims a mandate following the July 2024 election where President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner amid allegations of electoral misconduct. This situation has prompted the Venezuelan government to reduce its diplomatic presence in various Latin American countries, showcasing regional divisions in support for Maduro versus the opposition.
In summary, Venezuela’s decision to break diplomatic relations with Paraguay is rooted in the endorsement of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. This incident underscores the complex political dynamics at play as various Latin American leaders navigate their positions regarding Venezuela’s leadership. Gonzalez Urrutia’s recent international engagements reflect an effort to galvanize support for his claim to presidency as tensions escalate within the region.
Original Source: news.az
