Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares on Tuesday defended former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the role he plays “in dialogues and mediations” in Venezuela in the face of criticism from the conservative opposition.
Albares appeared before the Senate today to explain the government’s position on the Venezuelan crisis following the presidential elections on July 28.
In response to criticism from conservatives about Zapatero’s silence after the Venezuelan elections, the minister insisted that the former president “has participated in many dialogues, many mediations and many releases of political prisoners.”
Zapatero is part of the Puebla Group, a political and academic forum of Latin American progressives that defends peaceful dialogue in Venezuela, EFE points out.
Albares called on conservatives to “support the government’s position and the work of those who speak with the Venezuelan opposition and government to try to reach an agreement among Venezuelans.”
The minister assured that, despite the criticism, the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núnez Feijóo, is informed of the actions that the Government is carrying out in relation to Venezuela.
The European Union will discuss the issue of Venezuela at the Foreign Affairs Council to be held on 29 and 30 August.
He also noted that Spain assumed responsibility for the international interests of the Dominican Republic in Venezuela on Monday following Nicolás Maduro’s decision to expel Dominican diplomats from the country.
The Spanish foreign minister said he has been in contact with both Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil and opposition leaders.
