Uruguay’s outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou has prevented the invitation of representatives from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba to the inauguration of President-elect Yamandú Orsi, citing opposition to dictatorial regimes. This decision reflects a political divide as the new administration contemplates differing views on diplomatic relations with these countries.
Uruguay’s outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou has blocked invitations for representatives from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba to attend President-elect Yamandú Orsi’s inauguration on March 1. This action signifies Lacalle Pou’s ongoing opposition to what he labels “dictatorial governments,” underscoring the ideological split between his administration and the incoming leftist government led by Orsi.
Sources from the Uruguayan presidency, as reported by El País, indicate that the Orsi team proposed extending invitations to these nations based on diplomatic principles. Despite this, Lacalle Pou refused to authorize the invitations, thereby excluding the leaders of Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela), Daniel Ortega (Nicaragua), and Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), reflecting his firm stance against their leadership.
Throughout his presidency, Lacalle Pou has consistently criticized these regimes, pointing out serious human rights abuses. Notably, he confronted both Maduro and Díaz-Canel during a 2021 CELAC summit, emphasizing his government’s support for Venezuelan opposition figures, such as Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by Uruguay as the legitimate victor of the disputed Venezuelan elections.
While Lacalle Pou has not elaborated on his decision to block the invitations, the commitment to support Venezuela’s opposition has been apparent. In January, he met with González Urrutia in Montevideo, further affirming Uruguay’s position for democratic reform in Venezuela.
Among Orsi’s incoming administration, there are mixed views regarding Venezuela. Some officials, like future Minister of Labor Juan Castillo, are more sympathetic to Maduro’s government, while others, including Senator Mario Bergara, criticize the authoritarian tendencies observed in the region.
In summary, Uruguay’s outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou has refused to invite representatives from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba to the inauguration of President-elect Yamandú Orsi, reflecting his administration’s firm stance against perceived authoritarian regimes. This decision highlights the ongoing political divides between the current government and the incoming left-leaning administration. The discussions within Orsi’s administration regarding relations with Venezuela further indicate a lack of consensus on how to approach these nations.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
