Uruguay’s Government Rejects Recognition of Maduro and Urrutia in Venezuela
Uruguay’s government under President Yamandú Orsi will no longer recognize Nicolás Maduro or Edmundo González Urrutia as legitimate leaders of Venezuela. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin highlighted the lack of confidence in the electoral process. The Uruguayan government faces diplomatic challenges, particularly regarding the welfare of its citizens in Venezuela, amid criticisms of legitimizing Maduro’s regime.
In a significant shift under the Broad Front (Frente Amplio – FA) leadership of President Yamandú Orsi, Uruguay has withdrawn its recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who recently claimed victory in the disputed July 28 elections. Instead, Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin confirmed that Uruguay does not acknowledge the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s presidency either, emphasizing their stance on the electoral process.
Lubetkin stated, “We do not recognize either Maduro or the president who claimed to have triumphed according to the minutes he showed on the Internet.” He referenced historical peace agreements to highlight the possibility of dialogue concerning Venezuela’s political situation.
The previous government, led by Luis Lacalle Pou, had recognized González Urrutia as the legitimate president. However, Lubetkin acknowledged that Uruguay now faces diplomatic challenges, with relations with Venezuela currently at a standstill and embassies nearly non-operational. He expressed concern for the thousands of Uruguayans still residing in Venezuela.
Lubetkin described Venezuela’s political climate as ambiguous, recognizing that while there is a stringent control of the state and economy, it does not translate to official recognition. He reiterated that Uruguay does not consider Maduro’s regime as democratic due to the irregularities observed during the elections.
Moreover, former Defense Minister and current Senator Javier García criticized President Orsi for what he perceives as legitimizing Maduro’s regime shortly after his campaign declarations labeling Maduro as a dictator. This change in stance has drawn criticism from various opposition figures.
Uruguay’s new administration under President Yamandú Orsi has taken a definitive position against recognizing both Nicolás Maduro’s presidency and Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. The current foreign policy reflects a commitment to addressing the perceived undemocratic nature of the Venezuelan electoral process while grappling with the complexities of diplomatic relations. This ongoing situation impacts not only political dialogue but also the safety of Uruguayan nationals in Venezuela.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
