Venezuela Cuts Ties with Paraguay Amid Dispute over Maduro‘s Re-election
In a diplomatic spat following Nicolás Maduro’s disputed re-election as Venezuela’s president, Venezuela has announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Paraguay. The move comes amidst growing international criticism and pressure on Maduro’s government.
Paraguay, a vocal critic of Maduro’s regime, has repeatedly called for new presidential elections, deeming the May 20 presidential vote a fraud. On Tuesday, Paraguay’s foreign minister, Antonio Rivas, stated that his country stood in solidarity with the Venezuelan opposition and would continue to support their struggle for democracy.
The Venezuelan government, however, has dismissed the international outcry, maintaining that Maduro’s re-election was a landslide victory. In response to Paraguay’s stance, Venezuela’s foreign ministry issued a statement Tuesday, accusing Paraguay of "intervening in internal Venezuelan affairs" and announced the expulsion of Paraguay’s ambassador to Caracas.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden, during a meeting with Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó at the White House on Monday, warned Maduro against cracking down on anti-government protests. Guaidó, recognized by the U.S. and over 50 other countries as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, has called for fresh protests on September 9, ahead of Maduro’s inauguration for a second term.
Tensions are high in Venezuela, with the opposition promising large-scale demonstrations against Maduro’s government. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, faces widespread criticism for his handling of the country’s economic crisis and allegations of human rights abuses.
As the political crisis in Venezuela deepens, the international community is watching closely, with many nations calling for a peaceful resolution and a return to democratic rule. The United Nations, along with several countries, has repeatedly urged Venezuela to release political prisoners and allow humanitarian aid into the country.
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