Colombia seeks a new “conversation” between Gustavo Petro and Nicolas Maduro with an eye on October 1st, when The handover of the Mexican Presidency will bring together Latin American leaders and will mean a “chance” in the search for a political solution for Venezuela, according to Colombian Vice-Chancellor Jorge Rojas.
The official, who is visiting Madrid (Spain) to strengthen bilateral ties, participated this Friday in an EFE-Casa de América forum, where he stressed the active role of Bogotá for a negotiated exit in Venezuela, although with “caution, with great responsibility“.
(See: ‘He asked me for mercy’: Maduro lashed out at González after exile).
“For Colombia it is very important to keep in mind that political peace in Venezuela has to do with internal peace in Colombia.“, he said during the meeting with the director of the International Information Department of the EFE Agency, Emilia Pérez.
Bogotá, he insisted, maintains open dialogue at all levels with Caracas and “We are seeking a new conversation between the two presidents (Gustavo Petro and Nicolás Maduro) and then between everyone.“he said, referring to the mediation of Brazilian Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mexican Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
A conversation, he added, that is in the “context” of October 1, when Mexico will become the center of “Latin Americanism,” with the presence of the majority of the region’s leaders to attend the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum.
“I believe that the inauguration of the new president of Mexico will be a good opportunity to reaffirm paths to a political solution for Venezuela.“said Rojas, who is in favor of exploring all avenues of negotiation, including dialogue with the Maduro government, the opposition, countries in the region, the United States and the European Union.
The Colombian official also wanted to emphasize the impact on the region of Sheinbaum’s arrival, who has a “very powerful connotation” because “There are few women in top positions in public power, but Latin America is opening up to that perspective“.
(See: Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez says his departure from his country is ‘temporary’).
Gustavo Petro and Nicolas Maduro
Full transparency
While looking for a way out of the Venezuelan crisis, Colombia recognizes Maduro’s government until January, when it is planned the assumption of power by the Government elected at the polls last July, But “full transparency” in electoral processes is essential, he stressed.
“We want these results to be reliable so that we can recognize who won the elections.“In Venezuela, he stressed, and also advocated the need for that the country returns to the Inter-American Human Rights system.
(See: Colombia’s goal: to exceed US$1 billion in trade with Venezuela).
The importance of Venezuela for Colombia is strategic, not only because of its neighbourly relations but also because of the value of its trade, which is now close to one billion dollars, and the migratory flow of Venezuelans in the country: more than 2.5 million registered and half a million more in the process.
Peace in Colombia
“Regardless of all the difficulties, criticism, discussions“With Caracas, Rojas thanked Venezuela for its “firm support” for the Colombian peace process and expressed confidence that the National Liberation Army (ELN) return to the negotiating table, frozen since last May.
The vice-chancellor summarized the Petro Government’s strategy in the word “persistence” because, he said, “We are going to knock on every possible door, including the Vatican if necessary, so that we can conclude the peace process because Colombia can no longer bear any more conflicts.“.
ELN.
Collaboration with Spain
The Venezuelan crisis was one of the topics on the agenda of Rojas’ visit to Madrid, which has allowed him to “reaffirm the bilateral relationship” and commit to collaboration in areas such as telecommunications, renewable energy and attention to migration flows.
(See: Scenarios for the Venezuelan opposition in the face of Edmundo González’s exile).
After his visit to Spain, Jorge Rojas will accompany Petro to the United Nations General Assembly, where the Colombian president will propose exchanging debt for climate action and will demand an end to the conflict in Gaza, “a live and direct genocide for all of humanity.” “This war must be stopped,” as well as the one in Ukraine, he said.
EFE
