Venezuela rejects Colombian president-elect's reconstruction offer for La Guaira

The Venezuelan government has rejected Colombian President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella's offer to lead reconstruction efforts in La Guaira following the devastating double earthquake that killed at least 4,100 people on June 24.

The proposal

On Friday, De La Espriella announced that "la reconstrucción de Venezuela tiene que hacerla Colombia, con todo lo que ello implique" Source: La República and instructed his Defense Minister, Jorge Eduardo Mora, to assemble an engineering team. He also left open the possibility of coordinating with the United States.

The reaction

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil expressed "consternation" and noted that De La Espriella appears to "atribuirse amplias competencias en las labores de recuperación y reconstrucción" that belong "exclusivamente al Estado venezolano" Source: Infobae. While Venezuela appreciates solidarity, it made clear that currently "no está prevista" collaboration with Colombia's elected government.

Key points

• The offer was unilateral and not requested by Venezuela.
• The death toll stands at around 4,100, with recovery ongoing.
• Venezuela may still partner with other international entities if needed, but not with the Colombian government for now.