Maduro described as “distressing” the images he has seen of “all the destruction” caused by the damage / photo: EFE
The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, offered this Friday help to the Spanish Government to address the damage caused by the floods, mainly in Valencia, in the midst of a storm that has so far left 205 dead in the European nation.
“I offer to the Government of Spain, if it were possible, that Venezuela has the task force for civil protection situations in conditions of tragedy, it is a task force with great experience, which has been all over the world, which has traveled through different scenarios on different continents,” the president said in a televised event.
He described as “distressing” the images he has seen of “all the destruction” caused by the Dana – which has also left two dead in Castilla y León and one in Andalusia – a product – he noted – “of global warming that the extreme right denies. “
“Venezuela is prepared to help Spain, Valencia, with its professional experience and with all its personnel immediately,” insisted the Chavista leader, who wished to have “better relations with Spain” in the midst of this situation, which he sees as a “tragedy.”
The storm has been hitting the east and south of Spain since last Tuesday, while the search for the missing continues, with more military personnel to help in the catastrophe.
The authorities are trying to deliver food to the affected populations, in the most serious natural disaster that the country has suffered in decades.
The emergency services, which today were joined by another 500 soldiers (300 from the Army, 100 from the Air and 100 from the Navy), are working hard to search for missing people and are also dedicating themselves to opening roads to facilitate access and the distribution of basic aid.
Caracas / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Maria López, Latin American Politics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. López. Nicolás Maduro has described the destruction caused by recent events as ”distressing” and has offered assistance to the Spanish government. What are your thoughts on this unusual gesture?
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. Maduro’s offer of help to Spain is quite unexpected, especially given the historically tense relationship between the two countries. It shows a willingness to engage diplomatically, perhaps as an attempt to shift perceptions about his administration.
**Editor:** You mentioned historical tensions. How does this context affect the reception of Maduro’s offer of assistance?
**Dr. López:** The relationship has been fraught with issues, especially surrounding human rights and political oppression in Venezuela. However, Spain has its own recent challenges, including natural disasters and economic hardships. Maduro’s offer could be seen as a strategic move to portray Venezuela as a nation ready to contribute positively on the international stage.
**Editor:** How might this gesture impact international perceptions of Maduro’s government?
**Dr. López:** If handled well, it may soften some criticisms. It presents Maduro as empathetic, rather than solely authoritarian. However, this would depend on how both governments navigate the situation and whether genuine cooperation follows, rather than just symbolic gestures.
**Editor:** Interesting perspective. What could be the potential outcomes of this interaction between Venezuela and Spain?
**Dr. López:** The potential outcomes are varied. If the collaboration leads to tangible benefits for both countries, it could open the door for improved relations and possibly even economic assistance for Venezuela. Conversely, if it’s perceived as insincere, it could further entrench negative views of Maduro on the world stage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights into this complex situation.
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. It’s a developing story, and it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds.
