Uruguay’s government under Yamandú Orsi will not recognize Nicolás Maduro or Edmundo González Urrutia following disputed elections. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized the lack of diplomatic ties and the need to address issues concerning Uruguayans in Venezuela. The situation is complicated by Orsi’s previous criticism of Maduro as a dictator, raising concerns about legitimizing the regime.
Uruguay, under the leadership of President Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front (Frente Amplio – FA), has formally decided not to recognize Nicolás Maduro or opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia following the disputed Venezuelan elections held on July 28. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin stated that Uruguay’s position remains unchanged and emphasized the lack of recognition for both individuals based on concerns regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Lubetkin further clarified that despite this non-recognition, Uruguay faces diplomatic challenges related to Venezuelan relations. Montevideo’s diplomatic ties with Venezuela are nearly nonexistent, and the government is currently addressing the welfare of thousands of Uruguayans residing in the country. He stated, \”What do we do with the thousands of Uruguayans who are in Venezuela? Who protects them?\” He dismissed the idea of reestablishing diplomatic relations under the current circumstances.
Commenting on the political situation, Lubetkin described it as \”ambiguous,\” recognizing Venezuela’s strong state control without equating it to legitimacy. He acknowledged that President Orsi had raised concerns over dictatorship regarding Maduro and stated, \”we cannot recognize a democratic reality when the electoral process did not live up to the guarantees that a democratic state can give us.\”
Criticism arose from former Defense Minister and current Senator Javier García, who pointed out that Orsi had previously labeled Maduro a \’dictator\’ during his campaign yet seemed to legitimize the Bolivarian regime shortly after assuming office. Opposition leaders expressed their discontent with Orsi’s decisions concerning Venezuela.
In summary, Uruguay’s new government under President Yamandú Orsi has taken a definitive stance against recognizing both Nicolás Maduro and Edmundo González Urrutia, citing concerns over electoral legitimacy. Despite this stance, it faces pressing diplomatic issues, particularly regarding the Venezuelan presence in Uruguay. The situation remains complicated as the government navigates its diplomatic relationship with Venezuela, addressing the welfare of its citizens abroad while upholding its political principles.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
