BRUSSELS, 25 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, has asked this Tuesday “not to lose sight of the objective” of the conference on Venezuela organized in Bogotá after the incident with the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, expelled upon arrival in Colombia for entering the country illegally.
In statements from Bogotá to participate in the forum convened by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the head of European diplomacy has asked to focus attention on the conference and its objective of unblocking the negotiations between Mexico between the Government and the opposition in Venezuela and that the humanitarian agreement signed last year be applied.
“I cannot speak on behalf of the Government of Colombia, which knows who is called to the meetings that it calls,” Borrell assured about the controversy regarding Guaidó, insisting in any case that this episode should not overshadow the fundamental theme of the meeting. .
The High Representative has shown support for Petro’s initiative and has emphasized that Latin American countries get involved in the political crisis that Venezuela is experiencing and can promote “a return to democracy” in the country.
Regarding the possible lifting of sanctions against Caracas, the head of the EU’s Foreign Affairs has reiterated the bloc’s willingness to study this option if there are democratic advances in Venezuela.
Despite remembering that the EU does not maintain economic sanctions against the country, as the United States does, Borrell has insisted that any decision to ease restrictions must be preceded by signals from the Nicolás Maduro regime.
“In any negotiation process, one party does and the other responds. Action and reaction have to be synchronized over time. It is clear that a process of democratic normalization will have to be accompanied by the gradual lifting of sanctions, but the outcome remains to be seen. how and when”, he argued.
CONTROVERSY WITH GUAIDÓ
Guaidó traveled to Colombia by surprise, being expelled upon arrival in the country, which had not formally invited the opponent either. Already this Monday he has acknowledged that he entered Colombia irregularly. From the United States, he has charged against the Colombian authorities, affirming that “the persecution of the dictatorship” had spread to that country, after clarifying that he did not intend to participate, but rather to hold meetings on the sidelines with the attending delegations.
Petro himself has responded to Guaidó’s criticism by saying that “he does not have to enter the country illegally” and that “with great pleasure” they would have granted him political asylum in Colombia after he was expelled.
The summit organized in Bogotá intends to relaunch the dialogue between the parties in Venezuela under the premise of seeking “more democracy” and “zero sanctions” against the South American nation. The United States participates in this forum, apart from the EU, with the presence of Josep Borrell.
