EU Ambassadors to Skip Maduro’s Inauguration Amidst International Concerns
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European Union ambassadors will not attend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 10th in Caracas, according to multiple sources within teh EU. This decision, reached at a late December meeting of the European Council’s Working Group for Latin America and the caribbean (Colac) in Brussels, reflects growing international unease over Maduro’s continued rule.
While Colac decisions aren’t legally binding, the overwhelming consensus among the 27 EU member states points to a unified stance against attending the event. No country has publicly deviated from this position.
EU’s Stance on Maduro’s Re-election
The EU does not recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28th elections. “The European bloc does not recognize the victory of Nicolás Maduro in the July 28 elections,” a source confirmed, citing the Venezuelan regime’s refusal to release polling station records, a violation of electoral regulations. This lack of transparency, coupled with other concerns, has led the EU to reject the legitimacy of Maduro’s six-year term.
This decision, however, is not without its complexities. With the exception of Italy, European nations have also refrained from recognizing the opposition candidate, Edmundo González urrutia, despite evidence suggesting a potential opposition win, as indicated by minutes released by the opposition and validated by the Carter Center.
In 2019,the U.S. and several European countries recognized Juan Guaidó, the President of the National Assembly, as Venezuela’s interim president, freezing Venezuelan state assets held in their banks. Though, “Currently, European countries do not seem willing to repeat measures of this type,” according to diplomatic sources.
European Concerns and Limited international attendance
At the December 19th EU summit, leaders expressed their “concern about the situation in Venezuela,” demanding the release of political prisoners and reiterating their commitment to supporting “democracy and a peaceful and inclusive transition.” This underscores the EU’s continued pressure for democratic reforms within the country.
While a dozen european countries maintain ambassadors in Caracas, including Spain’s recently appointed Álvaro Albacete, the EU delegation is currently headed by the chargé d’affaires, Antonia Calvo Puerta, following the expulsion of the EU ambassador in 2021 by the Maduro regime. The limited international presence expected at the inauguration highlights the growing isolation of the Venezuelan government.
International attendance is expected to be sparse. Russia has confirmed the attendance of Duma President Viacheslav volodin, while china and Turkey, key allies of Caracas, will also send representatives. Neighboring countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, which have attempted mediation efforts, will also be represented.
Venezuelan Opposition leader Courts US Support
Amidst ongoing political instability in Venezuela, opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia is actively seeking international recognition and support, making significant inroads in the United States and Latin America. His campaign, launched amidst the isolation of President Nicolás Maduro, is gaining traction, raising questions about the future of Venezuelan leadership.
González Urrutia’s recent tour included stops in Argentina, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and the United States. His efforts have yielded support from prominent international figures. While in the US, he aimed to meet with President Joe biden and visit the Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters, signaling a concerted effort to engage with the US government and international organizations.
Further bolstering his campaign, González Urrutia secured backing from former Latin American leaders associated with the IDEA group in Panama. This group includes notable figures such as felipe González, José María Aznar, and Mariano Rajoy. The support of these prominent former heads of state lends significant weight to González Urrutia’s claim to legitimacy.
Former Spanish President Felipe González notably expressed his intention to accompany González Urrutia to Caracas on January 10th. This show of solidarity comes despite the Maduro regime’s $100,000 bounty on González Urrutia’s capture, highlighting the high stakes of this political struggle.
Meeting with Argentine Leader Fuels Speculation
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, González Urrutia met with Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei in Buenos Aires shortly before the planned Venezuelan inauguration. This meeting, though not explicitly detailed, further underscores the international attention focused on the Venezuelan political crisis and the growing support for González Urrutia’s bid for leadership.
By María Camila Salas V, Digital Scope Editorial, The Time
EU Diplomats Skip Maduro’s Inauguration: A conversation with Natalia Sánchez
EU ambassadors will not attend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration ceremony on January 10th, reflecting growing international concern over his continued rule. This decision, made at a late December meeting of EU’s Latin American and Caribbean Working Group (Colac), marks a significant development in the Venezuelan political crisis. We spoke with Natalia Sánchez, a Latin American politics expert at the University of Oxford, to understand the implications of this move.
Senior Editor: Natalia, thank you for joining us. The EU’s decision to boycott Maduro’s inauguration is making headlines. How significant is this move?
Natalia Sánchez: this is highly significant. While Colac decisions aren’t legally binding, the consensus among all 27 EU member states signifies a unified stance against Maduro’s regime. It sends a clear message that the international community does not recognize the legitimacy of his re-election.
senior Editor: The EU has also stated that they do not recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28th elections. What are their main concerns?
Natalia Sánchez: The EU, like many other international observers, has condemned the lack of transparency in the elections. Maduro’s regime refused to release polling station records, a blatant violation of electoral regulations. this, coupled with other concerns like the suppression of opposition voices and human rights violations, has led the EU to reject the legitimacy of his six-year term.
Senior editor: However, the EU hasn’t recognized the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, either. How can we interpret this?
Natalia Sánchez: This is a complex issue. While there’s evidence, including minutes released by the opposition and validated by the Carter Center, suggesting a potential opposition victory, most EU nations are hesitant to make a definitive declaration. They’re caught in a delicate balancing act, seeking a solution that promotes democracy without further fueling the political crisis.
Senior Editor: In the past,some European countries recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president. Is there any chance they might repeat such measures?
Natalia Sánchez: Currently, European countries seem reluctant to take such drastic steps. The situation is fluid, and they are likely to continue advocating for a peaceful and democratic transition through diplomatic channels. They might also impose targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations,but it’s unlikely they will recognize a new interim president at this stage.
Senior Editor:
What are the broader implications of the limited international portrayal at Maduro’s inauguration?
Natalia Sánchez: The sparse attendance highlights the growing isolation of the Venezuelan government.It signals a lack of international support for Maduro’s regime and underscores the international community’s concerns about the direction the country is heading.
Senior Editor: Natalia, thank you for shedding light on this complex situation.
Natalia Sánchez: My pleasure.