Uruguay’s Government Rejects Recognition of Maduro and González Urrutia
Uruguay’s new administration under Yamandú Orsi has refused to recognize Nicolás Maduro and Edmundo González Urrutia after Venezuela’s controversial July elections. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions while maintaining that the current electoral process lacks democratic guarantees. Despite acknowledging challenges, the government’s stance remains critical of both leaders as they manage strained relations with Venezuela.
Under the presidency of Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front (Frente Amplio – FA), Uruguay has officially decided not to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the victor of the disputed July 28 elections. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized that Uruguay also does not recognize the presidency of Nicolás Maduro, who faced allegations of electoral fraud. Lubetkin stated, “We do not recognize either Maduro or the president who claimed to have triumphed according to the minutes he showed on the Internet.”
Lubetkin referenced the Oslo peace agreements and questioned why the same could not apply to the Montevideo agreements regarding Venezuela. The previous Multicolor coalition government led by Luis Lacalle Pou had acknowledged González Urrutia as the president-elect, with his visit to Montevideo on January 4. Lubetkin also recognized the diplomatic challenges posed by not acknowledging election outcomes, noting the strained relations between Uruguay and Venezuela, stating, “What do we do with the thousands of Uruguayans who are in Venezuela?”.
Uruguay’s relations with Venezuela remain at a low point, with embassies nearly closed. Lubetkin described the situation in Venezuela as “ambiguous,” acknowledging a strict control of state and economic management, but reaffirmed that such conditions do not equate to recognition of Maduro’s government. He stated, “We do not recognize it, but we have to solve an objective problem we have, and we have to find the formulas.”
During his campaign, President Orsi referred to Maduro as a “dictator” but faced backlash from opposition leaders after seeming to legitimize Maduro’s administration within days of taking office. Former Defense Minister Javier García noted this contradiction and highlighted the criticism directed at Orsi after the inauguration.
Uruguay’s government has taken a clear stance against the recognition of both Maduro and González Urrutia following a disputed election in Venezuela. A diplomatic impasse exists as Uruguay navigates relationships with Venezuela while addressing concerns for its citizens in the country. The administration acknowledges the challenges without legitimizing the current regime, emphasizing an ambiguous yet critical diplomatic situation.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
