Venezuela: Portugal expresses “firm repudiation” for the expulsion of the EU ambassador – News

The head of European diplomacy also condemned the expulsion and said that “reciprocity” measures will be taken.

“We condemn and reject the expulsion of our ambassador in Caracas. We will take the necessary reciprocal measures, ”wrote the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, in his Twitter account.

In the message, the head of EU diplomacy reiterates that “only a solution negotiated between Venezuelans will allow the country to emerge from the deep crisis” in which it finds itself.

The spokeswoman for the European Commission for Foreign Affairs said at a press conference that the Venezuelan ambassador to the EU would be called “today”, adding that a decision on such a measure of “reciprocity” would have to be taken by the 27 in the coming years. days.

“The EU and its Member States are considering appropriate measures in response to ongoing developments. More specifically, we are going to summon Nicolas Maduro’s ambassador to the European institutions today, and from there we will be able to see what measures may follow, ”said Virginie Battu-Henriksson.

The eventual decision to declare the ambassador ‘persona non grata’ is “a political decision that must be taken by member states by consensus”, he explained.

The spokeswoman again deplored the expulsion, also pointing out that “all measures that affect diplomatic work in a situation like this only contribute to the escalation of the situation and jeopardize a path to a peaceful and political exit from this crisis”, in addition to to “further isolate the Maduro regime at the international level”.

Even so, he guaranteed, the EU is and remains “very active in promoting a political and democratic solution for Venezuela, through free and credible legislative and presidential elections”.

Between 2008 and 2011, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa served as consul general of Portugal in Caracas, a period that coincided with the strong political and economic impulse of bilateral relations, promoted by the then President and leader of the Bolivarian revolution, Hugo Chávez (1954- 2013), and Prime Minister of Portugal, José Sócrates.

Venezuela has, since January, two parliaments (National Assembly) partially recognized, one with an opposing majority, led by Juan Guaidó, and a pro-regime, led by Luís Parra.

The political, economic and social crisis in Venezuela has worsened since January 2019, when Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president of the country, until he removed Nicolás Maduro from power, called for a transitional government and free elections. Guaidó has the support of almost 60 countries.

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