Bogotá Conference… Writings on the sidelines

Rafael Gallegos Blog 583

The final declaration of the International Conference on Venezuela in Bogotá indicates that the Colombian government found “common positions” on three key points: elections, democracy-sanctions relationship, and continuity of negotiations in Mexico. Each point generated an agreement.

The number of delegations, the short time and the various political positions were reflected in a declaration that, despite being oriented towards a solution, is concise. Next, we will expose the Agreements and we will add some Writings to the Margin, with the idea of ​​detailing and deepening aspects that we Venezuelans require so that the declaration is headed towards the restoration of democracy. Let’s see:

Agreement 1.- The need to establish an electoral schedule that allows the holding of free, transparent elections with full guarantees for all Venezuelan actors.

Written in the margin… This aspect implies, on the part of the CNE an efficient organization in the electoral register, registration and voting centers, the exclusion of red dots, compliance with the regulation in the extension of hours; as well as avoiding the already traditional use and abuse of official, economic and media resources, in electoral campaigns. Likewise, compliance with the regulations during the totalization, adjudication, proclamation and delivery of the credential to the winning candidate.

Also, you should consider the qualification of all candidates and non-disqualification via the Comptroller’s Office. It is very important that this Agreement 1 contemplates the freedom of all political prisoners (without revolving doors), essential for truly free elections. And the whole process, from the beginning of the campaign, must contemplate international observation.

Agreement 2.- That the steps agreed to the satisfaction of the parties go in parallel with the different sanctions.

Written in the margin… Clarifying that the Sanctions are not personal, but those referring to economic processes. And nothing to do with the ICC, which is another matter. Sanctions would be gradually eliminated as what is stated in numeral 1 is developed in a transparent manner.

It is necessary to remind the gentlemen of the government that lifting the sanctions will not generate the arrival of the international capital that is required. To do this, trust must be generated, which goes far beyond sanctions. And worse, perhaps the squalid results of lifting the economic sanctions, rather contribute to unmasking the government. The origin of this disaster that we are experiencing is not the sanctions but the expropriation, the company stopped, the company taken over, the invasions of the farms and herds, the expulsion of the 23,000 PDVSA workers (to great honor) and in general, this process of destruction strategic made in Havana.

Agreement 3.- That the continuation of the negotiation process facilitated by the Kingdom of Norway that has taken place in Mexico be accompanied by the acceleration of the implementation of the single trust fund for social investment in Venezuela.

Written in the margin… Here we fully agree with the government when it claims the 3.2 billion dollars agreed in Mexico. This process must be started and accelerated. And surely, other disbursements will have to be granted.

Of course, it must be clarified that, after the terrifying waste of PDVSA, one doubts. If 3,000 million dollars disappeared (at least, because we are talking about more than 20,000), the moral authority to say that the opposition “stole” thousands and billions of dollars is null and void, that “and that” they would have destined for the Venezuelan needs. Furthermore, when there are hundreds of unfinished works and even ghosts worth billions of dollars.

Is Negotiation Necessary?

Yes, either we negotiate or we kill each other… or we perpetuate ourselves like Cuba. And by the way, negotiate with the batteries well placed.

Venezuela can’t take it anymore. It’s ransacked… watch yourself, and your neighbor. And with a broken heart… one in four Venezuelans have gone abroad. That “hugging” parents, children and grandchildren over the internet is good, rubbing the screens; or doing simulations of blowing out candles on birthdays, blowing out the phones. We are human beings of flesh and blood. Also, enough of not being able to travel to almost any country without getting unlikely and expensive visas. The “revolution” has turned us into the outcasts of Latin America.

The Primary has to result in a unifying element after a leadership, and the negotiation in the path of normalization of the country. We are already a Latin American problem and beyond. Twenty countries present at the Summit certify this.

It is time for a great national agreement. To reinvent a new Venezuela.