The Foreign Minister of Uruguay, Omar Paganini, stated this Thursday that he decided to call the Uruguayan ambassador in Venezuela, Eber da Rosa, for consultations to report on “worrying events” that would make the holding of free elections in that country “unfeasible.”
“We have decided to call our ambassador in Venezuela for consultations to be informed about the worrying events that would make the holding of free, democratic and competitive elections in that country unviable,” the chancellor wrote on his X account.
The call for consultations to an ambassador consists of an order that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends to him to urgently travel to the country in order to report on a certain matter and receive particular instructions.
Last Thursday, President Lacalle Pou assured the press that the elections that Venezuela will hold in the second half of this year will not be free and democratic after the disqualification of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
“Clearly we are not facing free and democratic elections in Venezuela,” said the president, who recalled that on more than one occasion he said what he thought of the Venezuelan Government, which he has described as a “dictatorship,” and that he also said it directly to the president of that country, Nicolás Maduro.
“We do not try to have a point of view depending on whether we like a Government more or less,” added Lacalle Pou in his latest statements, who stressed that Machado’s disqualification shows that there is “no type of will” that the elections be transparent.
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**Interview with Dr. Laura Figueroa, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Figueroa. We’ve just heard news about Uruguay’s Foreign Minister, Omar Paganini, calling its ambassador in Venezuela, Eber da Rosa, for consultations regarding the political situation there. What does this signify for Uruguay’s foreign policy?
**Dr. Figueroa:** Thank you for having me. This move indicates a significant concern from Uruguay regarding the ongoing political climate in Venezuela. By recalling the ambassador, the Uruguayan government is acknowledging that the circumstances may be detrimental to establishing free and democratic elections, which aligns with Uruguay’s commitment to democratic values in international relations.
**Interviewer:** What are the implications of such a decision for relations between Uruguay and Venezuela?
**Dr. Figueroa:** The decision to recall the ambassador can strain diplomatic relations, as it often serves as a signal that the country is dissatisfied with the current situation. However, it is also a diplomatic tool that allows Uruguay to reassess its engagement with Venezuela without entirely severing relations. It is a delicate balance, emphasizing their concern while still leaving room for dialogue.
**Interviewer:** Minister Paganini mentioned “worrying events” that could impede democratic processes in Venezuela. How might these events shape the political landscape there?
**Dr. Figueroa:** While the details aren’t specified—”worrying events” could refer to anything from political repression, electoral fraud, or civil unrest—such situations typically lead to a lack of trust in the government and its institutions. This can result in increased internal conflict and could potentially push the opposition to seek alternative measures to mobilize support, making the path toward free elections more complicated.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see this affecting regional dynamics in South America?
**Dr. Figueroa:** South America has been closely observing Venezuela’s situation, and Uruguay’s call for consultations could encourage other nations to take a firmer stance on democratic governance in the region. It might galvanize collective efforts among neighboring countries to address the crisis in Venezuela, potentially leading to a larger call for accountability and reform within Latin America.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Figueroa, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Figueroa:** My pleasure, thank you for having me.