Uruguay’s Government Rejects Recognition of Maduro and New Opposition Leader

Uruguay’s new government, led by President Yamandú Orsi, refuses to recognize Nicolás Maduro or opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia following disputed elections marred by fraud allegations. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin stated that relations with Venezuela have deteriorated significantly. The government acknowledges Maduro’s control but does not recognize him as a legitimate leader, raising concerns over the safety of Uruguayan citizens in Venezuela.

Under the leadership of President Yamandú Orsi and the Broad Front (Frente Amplio – FA), Uruguay has chosen not to recognize Nicolás Maduro or opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia following the contentious elections of July 28, where allegations of fraud were prevalent. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized that Uruguay’s stance is clear, stating, “We do not recognize either Maduro or the president who claimed to have triumphed.” He drew parallels to the Oslo peace agreements, questioning why similar frameworks could not apply to the situation in Venezuela.

The previous Multicolor coalition government, led by Luis Lacalle Pou, recognized González Urrutia as the president-elect, which has since created diplomatic complications. Lubetkin noted that relations between Uruguay and Venezuela have diminished significantly, with ambassadors nearly withdrawn. He raised concerns about the safety and protection of the thousands of Uruguayan citizens currently residing in Venezuela, indicating this diplomatic strain complicates matters.

Despite recognizing the control Maduro exerts over the Venezuelan state and economy, Lubetkin clarified that this does not equate to formal recognition of his authority. He reaffirmed that Uruguay shares this position with other nations 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 has surfaced regarding President Orsi’s stance, particularly from former Defense Minister and current Senator Javier García, who highlighted a contradiction in Orsi labeling Maduro a dictator during his campaign but legitimizing the Bolivarian regime shortly after taking office. This decision has drawn sharp scrutiny from various opposition leaders in Uruguay, raising questions about the government’s consistency regarding Venezuela.

In summary, Uruguay under President Yamandú Orsi has firmly adopted a stance against recognizing Nicolás Maduro and Edmundo González Urrutia as legitimate leaders amid ongoing allegations of electoral fraud in Venezuela. The diplomatic relations with Venezuela remain strained, posing challenges in addressing the welfare of Uruguayan citizens living there. The government’s position reflects broader international sentiments regarding the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government’s electoral processes.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com