Muscat (Oman), Sep 8 (EFE).- Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Sunday that Spain will grant former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González the asylum he has requested.
Albares announced this decision in statements to journalists in Muscat, where the Spanish Air Force plane carrying the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the head of a delegation that includes the minister, made a stopover on its trip to China.
The head of Spanish diplomacy, who confirmed that González was flying to Spain at the request of the opposition leader himself, explained that the latter had also requested asylum, which “of course – he stressed – the Spanish Government will process and grant.”
He said that he had spoken with Edmundo González once when he was on the Spanish Air Force plane in which the Venezuelan opposition leader was travelling and that the latter had expressed his gratitude.
“I have also conveyed to him our joy that he is well, that he is on his way to Spain, and I have reiterated the Government’s commitment to political rights, freedom of expression and demonstration, and the physical integrity of all Venezuelans,” he added.
Asked whether the decision was made because there were fears for González’s physical safety, Albares stressed that it was made at his request after spending some time at the residence of the Spanish Embassy in Caracas, although he said he could not give further details on the matter.
He insisted that in response to the request, the Spanish Government had guaranteed that it would use all diplomatic and material means to make it effective and that it was carried out when he considered it appropriate to leave Venezuela.
In this regard, diplomatic sources confirmed that there has been no negotiation between the Spanish and Venezuelan governments, nor between Pedro Sánchez and Nicolás Maduro directly.
Albares did stress that Spain’s position on the situation in Venezuela has not changed and continues to demand the presentation of the electoral records of the last presidential elections so that they can be verified, because otherwise no supposed victory can be recognised.
The decision is to achieve a peaceful and “genuinely Venezuelan” solution, the result of dialogue and negotiation between the Maduro government and the opposition.
He added that Spain will not close the door to any Venezuelan and recalled that more than 100,000 have benefited from the special status that he pointed out practically does not exist for any other country.
“Spain’s doors to a sister country like Venezuela will always be open, just as the doors of the Spanish Embassy residence have been to Edmundo González,” he said.
Spain’s decision to welcome González was announced hours after Pedro Sánchez, speaking at the PSOE Federal Committee meeting, said that Edmundo González is “a hero whom Spain will not abandon.”
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2024-09-09 14:27:28
Why did Edmundo González seek asylum in Spain?
Table of Contents
Edmundo González: The Venezuelan Opposition Leader Granted Asylum in Spain
In a significant development, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has announced that Spain will grant asylum to former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González. This decision comes after González fled Venezuela and sought refuge in Spain, citing concerns for his physical safety.
González’s Journey to Spain
According to reports, González arrived in Spain after spending a month in hiding in Venezuela [[3]]. He had been staying at the residence of the Spanish Embassy in Caracas before leaving the country. The Spanish Air Force plane carrying González landed in Spain, marking a new chapter in the opposition leader’s life.
Spain’s Commitment to Human Rights
Speaking to journalists in Muscat, Oman, Albares emphasized Spain’s commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and demonstration. He reiterated that the Spanish Government would process and grant González’s asylum request, ensuring the opposition leader’s physical integrity and safety.
No Negotiation with Venezuelan Government
Diplomatic sources confirmed that there was no negotiation between the Spanish and Venezuelan governments, nor between Pedro Sánchez and Nicolás Maduro, regarding González’s asylum. The decision was made solely in response to González’s request, with Spain guaranteeing to use all diplomatic and material means to make it effective.
Spain’s Stance on Venezuela
Albares stressed that Spain’s position on the situation in Venezuela remains unchanged. The country continues to demand the presentation of electoral records from the last presidential elections to ensure their verification. Spain aims to achieve a peaceful and “genuinely Venezuelan” solution through dialogue and negotiation between the Maduro government and the opposition.
Implications for Venezuela
González’s asylum in Spain marks a significant development in the Venezuelan political landscape. As opposition leaders, including Machado, have vowed to continue their fight against President Nicolas Maduro [[1]], González’s move may galvanize the opposition movement. The Venezuelan presidential candidate has pledged to “continue to fight” for democracy and human rights in Venezuela [[2]].
Conclusion
Edmundo González’s asylum in Spain is a Testament to Spain’s commitment to human rights and democracy. As the Venezuelan opposition leader begins a new chapter in his life, the implications for Venezuela’s political landscape remain uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Spain’s decision to grant González asylum sends a strong message about the importance of protecting human rights and promoting democracy worldwide.
What led Edmundo González to seek asylum in Spain as a former Venezuelan opposition leader?
Edmundo González: The Venezuelan Opposition Leader Granted Asylum in Spain
In a significant development, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has announced that Spain will grant asylum to former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González. This decision comes after González fled Venezuela and sought refuge in Spain, citing concerns for his physical safety.
González’s Journey to Spain
According to reports, González arrived in Spain after spending a month in hiding in Venezuela [[3]]. He had been staying at the residence of the Spanish Embassy in Caracas before leaving the country. The Spanish Air Force plane carrying González landed in Spain, marking a new chapter in the opposition leader’s life.
Spain’s Commitment to Human Rights
Speaking to journalists in Muscat, Oman, Albares emphasized Spain’s commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and demonstration. He reiterated that the Spanish Government would process and grant González’s asylum request, ensuring the opposition leader’s physical integrity and safety.
No Negotiation with Venezuelan Government
Diplomatic sources confirmed that there was no negotiation between the Spanish and Venezuelan governments, nor between Pedro Sánchez and Nicolás Maduro, regarding González’s asylum. The decision was made solely in response to González’s request, with Spain