Venezuela warns Spain against 'interference'
2 Min Read
The escalation follows a Spanish minister's remark calling Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government a "dictatorship," which led Caracas to recall its ambassador and summon Spain's envoy for discussions.
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A Venezuelan national flag strung from The Walk of the Heroes monument flutters in the wind before the start of an Independence Day military parade, in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, July 5, 2024 (AP)
Venezuela issued a stern warning to Spain on Friday, rejecting any interference from Madrid in its internal affairs.
This escalation follows a Spanish minister's remark calling Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government a "dictatorship," which led Caracas to recall its ambassador and summon Spain's envoy for discussions.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil reaffirmed Venezuela's sovereignty and vowed to protect it against outside meddling.
Caracas would "accept no interference from the Spanish government" in its affairs and would "take the necessary steps...to protect its sovereignty," Gil said in a statement.
Reunión del canciller Yvan Gil, con el Embajador de España.
— Raúl Giménez Paiva (@raul_gimenez10) September 13, 2024
Ya que el país adoptará las medidas necesarias, en el marco del derecho internacional y la Diplomacia Bolivariana de Paz, para proteger su soberanía.#VenezuelaSeRespeta #España #MaduroPresidente pic.twitter.com/2LkB6cwjX4
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The diplomatic tension stems from the aftermath of a disputed Venezuelan presidential election in July, during which Spain granted asylum to US-backed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who claimed victory in the election despite Maduro's official win.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles's criticism of Maduro and support for Venezuelan exiles further fueled the standoff, with Venezuelan officials calling for cutting ties with Spain.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares sought to downplay the conflict, expressing hopes for good relations with Venezuela, while Spanish lawmakers urged recognition of Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president.
Comunicado de la Fundación Felipe González, España.
— Alejandro R  (@_Alejandr0_0) September 13, 2024
"El presidente Felipe González se ha reunido hoy con el presidente electo de Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia. Han recordado cuando se conocieron en Ginebra en 1975 mientras Felipe González estaba en la clandestinidad.… pic.twitter.com/2bY9fOjkRs
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