Mexico’s Foreign Minister States No Defense for Venezuela’s Maduro, Reports Reuters

Mexico’s government announced on Tuesday that it is not defending Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, following recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate head of state by European nations, the United States, and others.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard stated in a local television interview, “We don’t defend Maduro or his regime, nor are we taking a political position; we want there to be dialogue. We’re not taking sides; everyone can have their point of view.”

On Monday, major European countries aligned with most members of the Lima Group, including Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, in supporting Guaido as the interim leader of Venezuela while calling for free elections.

Historically, Mexico has been a vocal critic of Maduro. However, relations with Venezuela have improved under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had invited Maduro to his inauguration last month.

Lopez Obrador’s administration has emphasized a policy of neutrality and non-intervention.

Maduro’s government, which is dealing with an economic collapse that has led to approximately 3 million Venezuelans fleeing the country, criticized the EU nations, claiming that their actions would harm relations with Caracas.