Caracas, Sep 12 (EFE).- Venezuela has recalled Spain’s ambassador in Caracas, Ramón Santos, for consultations in response to what the government of Nicolás Maduro considers “insolent, interventionist and rude statements” by the Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who criticized the “persecution” and “limitation of fundamental rights” that, in her opinion, opponents in the South American nation are suffering.
The ambassador, as explained by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil on his Telegram channel, is due to appear at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this Friday at the request of the Chavista Executive, which believes that Robles’ statements “point to a deterioration of relations between the two countries.”
According to Gil, Maduro’s government has also called its ambassador accredited to Spain, Gladys Gutiérrez, for consultation, although he did not specify whether the appointment is for the same date on which Santos must appear at the Foreign Ministry or on another date.
Following the arrival of the flag bearer of the largest Venezuelan opposition coalition, Edmundo González Urrutia, to Spain – where he has requested asylum considering that he was suffering political and judicial persecution in Venezuela – Robles said that what the Government of the Caribbean country is doing with “so many” anti-Chavez supporters is “unacceptable and unacceptable.”
On Wednesday, Venezuela’s parliament, controlled by Chavez, proposed a resolution that it hopes to approve to urge Maduro to break “all diplomatic, consular, economic and commercial relations” with Spain, after the legislature of the European nation, with the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) voting against it, agreed to recognize González Urrutia as president-elect.
The opposition leader, who arrived in Madrid on Sunday, requested asylum due to the “persecution” he said he suffered after the presidential elections of July 28, whose official victory was awarded by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to Maduro, a result later validated by the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ).
However, the opposition insists that the winner was González Urrutia, a claim that it supported with the “83.5% of the electoral records” that it claims to have collected from witnesses and members of the polling station on voting day, which – it said – give the anti-Chavez candidate the victory by a wide margin.
However, the government maintains that the minutes, which were later published on an opposition website, are “false.”
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2024-09-14 15:27:06
What prompted Venezuela to recall its ambassador to Spain amid the ongoing diplomatic row?
Table of Contents
Venezuela Recalls Ambassador to Spain Amid Diplomatic Row Over Human Rights Criticisms
Tensions Escalate Between Caracas and Madrid as Venezuela’s Government Reacts to Spanish Defense Minister’s Comments
In a move that has sparked concerns about the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Spain, the Venezuelan government has recalled its ambassador to Spain, Ramón Santos, for consultations. This decision comes in response to comments made by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who criticized the Venezuelan government’s treatment of opposition leaders and human rights record.
Maduro’s Government Takes Exception to Spanish Minister’s Remarks
According to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, the ambassador has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the “insolent, interventionist, and rude statements” made by Minister Robles. The Venezuelan government takes issue with the Spanish official’s criticism of the “persecution” and “limitation of fundamental rights” faced by opponents in Venezuela.
Diplomatic Fallout
The recall of the ambassador is seen as a significant escalation of the diplomatic row between the two countries. Venezuela’s government has also called its ambassador to Spain, Gladys Gutiérrez, for consultation, although the exact date of her appointment has not been specified. The move is likely to further strain relations between Caracas and Madrid, which have been tense in recent months.
Background to the Dispute
The controversy began when Edmundo González Urrutia, the flag bearer of the largest Venezuelan opposition coalition, arrived in Spain and requested asylum, claiming to be a victim of political and judicial persecution in Venezuela. In response, Minister Robles stated that the Venezuelan government’s treatment of anti-Chavez supporters was “unacceptable” and “unconscionable.”
Venezuelan Parliament Weighs In
Venezuela’s parliament, controlled by the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), has proposed a resolution urging President Nicolás Maduro to break “all diplomatic, consular, economic, and commercial relations” with Spain. The move follows a decision by the Spanish legislature to recognize González Urrutia as president-elect, which was opposed by the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
Implications for Human Rights
The diplomatic spat has highlighted concerns about human rights in Venezuela, where opposition leaders and activists have faced harassment, arrest, and intimidation. The Venezuelan government has been accused of suppressing dissent and undermining democratic institutions, leading to widespread international condemnation.
Regional and International Repercussions
The escalating tensions between Venezuela and Spain are likely to have regional and international repercussions. The Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU) have expressed concerns about the situation in Venezuela, and the diplomatic row could further isolate the Maduro government.
Conclusion
The recall of the Venezuelan ambassador to Spain marks a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The dispute has highlighted the Venezuelan government’s sensitivity to criticism of its human rights record and its willingness to take drastic measures to defend its interests. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the escalating tensions between Caracas and Madrid.
Keyword Tags: Venezuela, Spain, diplomatic relations, human rights, Nicolás Maduro, Margarita Robles, Edmundo González Urrutia, asylum, political persecution, opposition leaders, diplomatic row, international relations, Organization of American States, European Union.
Why did Venezuela recall its ambassador to Spain?
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Venezuela Recalls Ambassador to Spain Amid Diplomatic Row Over Human Rights Criticisms
Tensions Escalate Between Caracas and Madrid as Venezuela’s Government Reacts to Spanish Defense Minister’s Comments
In a move that has sparked concerns about the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Spain, the Venezuelan government has recalled its ambassador to Spain, Ramón Santos, for consultations. This decision comes in response to comments made by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who criticized the Venezuelan government’s treatment of opposition leaders and human rights record.
Maduro’s Government Takes Exception to Spanish Minister’s Remarks
According to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, the ambassador has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the “ins
