Argentina Urges Maduro to Ensure Safe Passage for Asylum Seekers
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry has demanded that the Venezuelan government provide safe passage for six dissidents seeking asylum in its Caracas Embassy, citing imminent danger. The call for immediate action includes appeals to the United Nations and OAS for support. The situation underscores the political repression under Nicolás Maduro, particularly against supporters of opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been barred from running in recent elections.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry has urgently called upon the Venezuelan government to allow the safe passage of six government dissidents seeking refuge in its Embassy in Caracas. The Ministry expressed that these individuals face “imminent danger” and emphasized the necessity for immediate action. President Javier Milei’s administration has reached out to the United Nations, the Organisation of American States (OAS), and allied nations for support in what it described as a critical and alarming situation.
In a statement shared on the X social network, Argentina’s Foreign Ministry demanded the Maduro regime promptly issue “letters of safe-conduct” to ensure the safe departure of the asylum seekers, urging international organizations and countries to take urgent measures to protect their lives. These six individuals are associates of opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been barred from participating in Venezuela’s recent elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud and condemnation from international observers.
The Maduro government has accused Machado and her supporters of scheming “terrorist actions” against Venezuela, leading to her exclusion from the electoral process where Maduro secured re-election under controversial circumstances. Amidst this tension, Machado, currently in hiding, has made a desperate appeal to the governments of Argentina and Brazil to intervene against what she described as a “state of siege” surrounding the Embassy residence.
Since August 1, Brazil has been safeguarding Argentina’s Embassy in Caracas following the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Argentina due to the latter’s stance on the disputed elections. While Venezuela has sought to revoke Brazil’s role, the Brazilian government remains committed to protecting Argentina’s interests amidst ongoing political turmoil. The asylum seekers have reported severe deprivation of resources, with Venezuelan authorities allegedly cutting off access to electricity, clean water, and food supplies.
The tensions between Argentina and Venezuela have escalated significantly following the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro, which has been characterized by international observers as fraudulent. Argentina’s demand for the safe passage of dissidents is rooted in ongoing political repression and violence against dissenters in Venezuela. María Corina Machado’s exclusion from the election highlights the oppressive political climate and the substantial risks faced by opposition figures. This situation has drawn attention from multiple nations and international organizations advocating for human rights and political freedoms in the region.
In summary, Argentina’s urgent plea for the safe passage of six asylum seekers highlights the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela. The situation is exacerbated by the oppressive actions of the Maduro regime against dissenters. The call for international support underscores the necessity for collective action to protect vulnerable individuals facing grave danger. With Brazil currently safeguarding Argentina’s embassy, the diplomatic complexities continue to unfold in the context of severe political strife in Venezuela.
Original Source: batimes.com.ar
