Panama's foreign minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, stated that Panama will not restore diplomatic relations with the Venezuelan government led by Delcy Rodríguez until new elections are held. He confirmed that Panama continues to recognize Edmundo González as the president-elect, citing the election records stored in the National Bank Source: EFE.
Martínez-Acha emphasized that restoring ties is "not on the agenda" in the short term, despite U.S. support for Rodríguez's interim presidency. Panama maintains consular relations with Venezuela and was among the first countries to send aid after a double earthquake on June 24. He expressed hope for democratic elections in Venezuela soon Source: EFE.
The U.S., which has controlled Venezuela since January, announced transition processes starting in August. Martínez-Acha called for regional democratic countries to support the U.S.-led democratic solution, stating it must be accompanied by solid electoral demands and internal transformation Source: EFE.
In May, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino met with opposition leader María Corina Machado to discuss new elections. Panama's stance remains firm until transparent elections occur.
““Nosotros guardamos las actas que certifican el triunfo de Edmundo González en las elecciones del 28 de julio (de 2024) en las bóvedas del Banco Nacional. Uno debe ser coherente con sus decisiones, así que seguimos reconociendo a Edmundo González”, declaró el ministro.”
““Restablecer las relaciones diplomáticas en el corto plazo “no está en la agenda”, incluso a pesar del respaldo de Estados Unidos a la presidencia interina de Rodríguez.””
““Sentimos que la solución democrática de Venezuela que los Estados Unidos y el secretario Rubio desean implementar debe estar acompañada de un apoyo de países democráticos de la región.””
““A pesar de no reconocer el gobierno de Delcy Rodríguez, Martínez-Acha aseguró que Panamá mantiene relaciones consulares con Venezuela y que fue uno de los primeros países en enviar ayuda humanitaria tras el terremoto doble que asoló a ese país el pasado 24 de junio.””
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