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Peru‘s New Foreign Minister Addresses Venezuela’s Delicate Situation
September 5, 2024
Peru’s newly appointed foreign minister, Elmer Schialer, emphasized on Tuesday that the ongoing crisis in Venezuela is an “absolutely delicate issue.” He stated that Peru’s stance is firm: the challenges faced by Venezuela must be resolved by its own people.
In his first press remarks following his appointment to replace Javier González-Olaechea, Schialer reiterated, “Our position, Peru’s, is a firm, democratic position in favor of Venezuela’s problems being resolved by Venezuelans.”
Expressing gratitude for his new role, Schialer mentioned he would elaborate on the Venezuelan situation in the future. He conveyed his honor at receiving this opportunity from President Dina Boluarte to lead the Foreign Office.
Previously, his predecessor suggested that Nicolás Maduro‘s re-election was marred by fraud and described his major challenge as foreign minister as contributing to the resolution of this “horror.”
González-Olaechea’s departure has drawn criticism from ultraconservative politicians like Congressman José Cueto, who labeled the decision “terrible,” especially with significant events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) summit approaching, alongside the visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Schialer announced that President Boluarte has set clear priorities: “to keep the name of Peru high, and Peru first, Peru first, and Peru first.” He also mentioned that Peru’s international agenda is ”absolutely full” in the upcoming months with various important meetings slated for Lima, including the APEC summit in November.
On the same day, Boluarte executed four cabinet changes in a brief ceremony at the Government Palace in Lima, accepting the resignations of the outgoing officials.
Apart from Schialer, who has held various significant positions including Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Peruvian ambassador to Germany, Ursula Desilú León, an expert in business law, was appointed as Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism. Additionally, Engineer Durich Whittembury was named Minister of Housing, Construction and Sanitation, and lawyer Fabricio Valencia, specializing in cultural heritage law, has taken on the role of Minister of Culture.
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reiterated Peru's commitment to supporting Venezuelan citizens during this difficult period. He acknowledged the humanitarian crisis affecting millions, and stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the needs of those displaced.
Schialer called for a dialogue among Venezuelan factions and urged the international community to lend support while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty. "It is crucial that we empower Venezuelans to find their own solutions, while providing the necessary aid to alleviate their suffering," he said.
The foreign minister also expressed concern over the increased number of Venezuelan refugees heading to Peru and other neighboring countries, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration to support those affected.
As part of Peru's foreign policy strategy, Schialer reaffirmed the country's recognition of the interim government, led by Juan Guaidó, while also promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. "Our goal is not to impose solutions, but to facilitate a process that will lead to a democratic and stable Venezuela," he added.
Peru has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government under Nicolás Maduro, and Schialer's statements signal a continuation of this approach. He plans to work with other Latin American nations to strengthen diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring democracy in Venezuela, while ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
The foreign minister's remarks come as tensions within Venezuela remain high, and his attitude reflects a cautious yet hopeful outlook for potential improvements in the situation. Peru stands ready to assist, but ultimately, Schialer believes that change must come from within Venezuela itself.
