Diplomatic Crisis Between Venezuela and Paraguay: Edmundo Gonzalez Faces Arrest Upon Arrival

venezuela, paraguay, madrid, spain, argentina, uruguay, caracas - Venezuela and Paraguay cut diplomatic ties over disagreements regarding Edmundo Gonzalez, who will be arrested upon setting foot in the country, according to officials.

Venezuela and Paraguay announced the end of their diplomatic relations due to disagreements regarding Edmundo Gonzalez. Diosdado Cabello, the Interior and Justice Minister of Venezuela, stated that Gonzalez, who resides in Madrid, Spain, will be arrested upon arrival in Venezuela and handed over to the judiciary.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil rejected Paraguay's statements, emphasizing the rejection of governments like Paraguay's that continue to align their foreign policies with the interests of foreign powers. He announced the decision to cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay and immediately withdraw diplomatic personnel accredited in that country.

Meanwhile, Paraguay's government also declared the end of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, demanding the country's ambassador and diplomatic staff to leave within 48 hours. Paraguay reiterated its full support for the democratic principles and the rights and guarantees of the Venezuelan people to live in a state based on democracy and the rule of law.

Edmundo Gonzalez, who competed as the opposition coalition candidate in the Venezuelan presidential election on July 28, 2024, had recently visited Argentina and Uruguay. In a video he shared on social media, Gonzalez expressed his intention to assume the role of commander-in-chief in Venezuela based on the sovereign will of the people on January 10.

Nicolas Maduro, who won the presidential election for the third time with 51.20% of the vote, according to the results announced by the National Electoral Council on July 29, 2024, was supported by Gonzalez and the opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Venezuela's Internal Affairs and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello emphasized that security forces are prepared for any scenario and will not allow anyone to disrupt peace in the country. Cabello also stated that 125 people of different nationalities were detained on charges of being associated with terrorist plots following the presidential election on July 28, 2024.