The rapprochement between the president Gustavo Petro and Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, already generated the first reactions in USA.
(See: Maduro says they are ready to supply world oil demand).
The Undersecretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols, commented this Thursday, September 15, that recent rapprochements they do not put at risk the bilateral relations between the United States and Colombia, founded on more than 200 years of history.
Nichols’ statements came after a hearing on Venezuela held by the US Senate Committee on International Relations.
Regarding the figure of Maduro as guarantor of the peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN guerrillas, the official stated that the Joe Biden administration “respects President Petro’s efforts to reach full peace“.
However, he clarified that peace in Colombia also depends on the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and that the presence of members of the ELN in that country was something of concern for that process.
(See: Entrepreneurs, waiting for a commercial framework between Venezuela and Colombia).
Contrary to what was commented by Deputy Secretary Nichols, Senators Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez, of Cuban origin and declared opponents of Maduro, They were more critical.
“We knew, after these elections, that we had a new administration in Colombia that was going to listen a little more to what the Maduro regime says. It is unfortunate, but it is the decision of an elected president of a sovereign nation. This should not affect or have any impact on US policy regarding these groups, which are terrorists.Rubio said.
(See: Commitments of Venezuela as guarantor of peace talks with the ELN).
“What Maduro is guaranteeing at this time is to give the ELN a refuge to carry out acts of terrorism against Colombia. I do not understand that position as something that is positive for Colombia. It is unfortunate that President Petro is giving a hug to those who violate human rights“, commented, for his part, Menéndez.
Rubio also added that if Petro began to make decisions contrary to the interests of the United States, his country would have to take action.
Marco Rubio, Republican United States Senator.
Both congressmen also asked Nichols to clarify whether the United States is ready to reimpose the sanctions that were lifted a few months ago to facilitate rapprochement between the North American country and Venezuela.
(See: Venezuela, a key country to meet future energy demand: OPEC).
The undersecretary replied that, in the event that the talks do not prosper due to a lack of will by Maduro, they will use every tool at their disposal to turn up the pressure. Among them, collaborating with other countries to confiscate their accounts abroad, increasing sanctions, prosecuting members of his regime and further pushing the investigations carried out by international organizations.
SERGIO GOMEZ MASERI
Correspondent of THE TIME
Washington
On Twitter @sergom68
