Andina

Peru Embassy to remain in Venezuela, functions to be reduced

18:59 | Lima, Jan. 10.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio on Thursday announced that the Peruvian Embassy in Caracas (Venezuela) will remain open but with reduced diplomatic functions.

In statements to Canal N local news channel, the diplomat recognized that cutting diplomatic relations with a neighboring nation is always an option when faced to an illegitimate regime.

Popolizio said Peruvian Charge d'Affaires to Venezuela Rosa Alvarez Nuñez has been recalled to Lima to assess "additional steps" that may be taken by Peru within the framework of the Lima Group declaration released on January 4.

In this sense, the Foreign Affairs head assured that breaking diplomatic ties is an option that the signatory countries can choose in accordance with their interests. 

As for the Peruvian decision to ban the entry of Maduro and 99 members of his regime, he explained the measure does not apply to Venezuelan citizens in general, but merely to people linked to the dictatorial government.

Asked about the 48-hour deadline given by Nicolas Maduro demanding the Lima Group to rectify its stance on Venezuela, Popolizio said the plan is not to reply baseless demands, saying the declaration implies a position of "principle in defense of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms."

International pressure

The official reaffirmed Peru's support to the National Assembly of Venezuela —and its stance against Maduro's reelection— is aligned with that of the European Union, the United States, and the Organization of American States.

"Deep inside, this shapes an international pressure that pursues the isolation of said dictatorship (…). We seek to support the Venezuelan people and opposition by providing them with necessary elements and international support to do what's necessary in order to restore democracy," he pointed out.


(END) RMCH/CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 1/10/2019