In Venezuela, Chavismo celebrated the victory of Gustavo Petro. Nicolás Maduro assured that new times were “foreseeing” for Colombia and the same has been done by Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), also stating that they expected a couple of invitations to the inauguration on August 7.
(Also read: The future of relations with the US, Venezuela and Nicaragua with Petro)
“We do not expect one but many representatives of Venezuela to attend the inauguration,” said Cabello, while congratulating Petro and Francia Márquez, also insisting that it was a new era for Latin America in which they seek to strengthen organizations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Although we will have to wait if the invitations arrive, the truth is that there is a bone of contention, and it is the recognition of the interim government of Juan Guaidó in the current government. Until now, the new occupant of the Casa de Nariño has not commented on the matter, but Guaidó has asked that protection be maintained for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, who number more than 1,800,000.
In Venezuela, since 2020, there are two parliaments. One headed by Guaidó that works through a delegated commission, that is, with the deputies who preside over the permanent commissions; and another with a Chavista majority elected two years ago and which is chaired by Jorge Rodríguez, also a representative of Chavismo in the talks with the opposition.
Both Assemblies declared themselves for the triumph of the Historical Pact. In the absence of Rodríguez, who is participating in the Oslo Forum, the first vice president, Iris Varela assured on Tuesday that it is important for Venezuela to contribute “to forging efforts to achieve peace in Colombia,” and compared the victory of Petro with that of Hugo Chavez in 1998.
“Without a doubt, Bolívar’s sword is passing through Latin America,” Varela said in the plenary that unanimously approved an agreement to congratulate both Petro and Francia Márquez.
Without a doubt, Bolívar’s sword is passing through Latin America
“The National Assembly ratifies the solidarity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with the Colombian people in his sacred desire to achieve peace and accompanies all the initiatives of President Gustavo Petro aimed at materializing the declaration of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which maintains that America must be a territory of peace”, reads the statement from the parliament.
On the side of Juan Guaidó, the opponents took advantage of Tuesday’s session to ask the new government to maintain the protection status for Venezuelans in Colombia, a measure adopted by President Iván Duque.
“It is a human right and we have to give treatment to our countrymen who are outside from the perspective of human rights”, emphasized Deputy Williams Dávila.
Who to invite?
Colombia, as one of the main allies of the United States, maintained recognition of Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela, this ended up deteriorating relations between the two countries bringing definitive border closures and increased roughness.
Petro has been emphatic in reestablishing relations with the neighboring country, claiming that the relationship is based on diplomacy and not on strengthening ties with Nicolás Maduro, but doing so implies recognition.
NeverthelessPetro’s relationship with Juan Guaidó is almost non-existent, as there have been accusations from both sides. In 2020 Guaidó, while in Bogotá, accused Petro of being an “accomplice of the Venezuelan dictatorship” and the now president-elect hinted at accusations against the irregular group “Los Rastrojos” and its connections with the opposition.
In addition, Petro assured that he would take legal action against Guaidó for insult, slander and affectations against honor and good name. He also addressed a letter to former Colombian Foreign Minister Claudia Blum, asking for corrective measures to be taken considering that the opponent had violated the Vienna Convention by interfering in Colombian State affairs.
Thus, the panorama does not look so favorable for Juan Guaidó and the recognition of his interim government, despite the efforts of the United States, a country that received Fabiana Rosales, wife of the opponent, on Tuesday.
In a meeting with Undersecretary of State Brian Nichols, both discussed the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis and the support of the US and the rest of the countries to support Venezuela.
ANA RODRIGUEZ BRAZON
WEATHER CORRESPONDENT
CARACAS
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