In the middle of an interview with EL TIEMPO, Luis Gilberto Murillo, Minister of Foreign Affairsmade a diagnosis of his management since his arrival at the Chancelleryin which he had to deal with several ‘hot potatoes’, including the controversial tender for the issuance of passports, the disciplinary investigation into Armado Benedetti and, recently, The role of mediator that Colombia has assumed regarding the political crisis in Venezuela.
Regarding this last context, The official reaffirmed that the country’s role has been that of mediator and facilitator of negotiations between Venezuela and the international community..
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“What we have said, and we have been clear, is that we will continue to play this role of mediation, of facilitation. We are resuming relations with Venezuela, we are recognizing President Maduro in his term, which runs until January 10, and obviously the time will come when we will have to make a decision in this regard.“Murillo said.
Luis Gilberto Murillo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Cesar Melgarejo / Portfolio
Likewise, he defended the management that the country has been doing, together with Mexico and Brazilregarding accusations of a ‘facelift’ for the government of Nicolás Maduro.
“What we are playing is a constructive role that has always been asked of us. Look, it is striking that sometimes the role played by Colombia, Mexico and Brazil is criticized, but the vast majority of countries have great hope in that role because there is fluid communication, because there is sincere dialogue. We believe that it is quite the opposite.“, said the chancellor.
Possible asylum for Machado and González Urrutia?
The image of Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutiathe two most visible faces of the majority opposition in the neighboring country, has not gone unnoticed by the country either, to the point that it does not rule out the possibility of giving them political asylum, Explaining that there is strong international support in this type of cases for Colombia.
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Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, during the voting in Venezuela.
EFE
“It is worth highlighting that Venezuela welcomed a large part of the Colombian population during the most difficult times in our country. This is very important because it shows the deep and extensive relationship between the two countries. With the support of international cooperation, we have around 10 Integrate Centers, where migrants are guaranteed advice on how to integrate into Colombian society.“, he said.
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And he added: “Anyone who feels that they should benefit from this benefit and who meets the conditions established by the international legal framework, we will do so. There is no doubt about it.“.
PORTFOLIO
*With information from EL TIEMPO – POLITICS and INVESTIGATIVE UNIT
