The head of European Union diplomacy, the socialist Joseph Borrellexpressed that this Sunday is “a sad day for democracy” due to the departure into exile of the Venezuelan opponent Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutiawho requested political asylum in Spain, despite having won the elections in Venezuela “by a large majority“, according to the available results.
“Today is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela“Borrell deplored in a statement the departure of González Urrutia, motivated by “repression, political persecution and direct threats to his security and freedom.”
The opposition leader arrived on Sunday aboard a Spanish Air Force plane bound for Spain, where the government will grant him political asylum. “The presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez “He had to request political asylum and accept the protection offered by Spain,” Borrell said.
President “by majority”
The European representative stressed that, according to the publicly available minutes, Edmundo González had won the presidential elections with a “large majority”.
“In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek asylum in another country,” Borrell stressed.
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has appealed to the Venezuelan authorities on behalf of the EU, demanding an end to repression, arbitrary arrests and harassment of the opposition and civil society, and the release of all political prisoners. The EU will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their struggle for democracy,” Borrell concluded.
For his part, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, announced on Sunday that Spain would grant the asylum requested by González Urrutia, in statements made during a stopover in Muscat (Oman) during his trip to China with the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez.
Albares explained that González requested the right to asylum, which “will be processed and granted by the Spanish government.” The minister added that he spoke with González Urrutia once on board the Spanish Air Force plane and that the opposition leader expressed his gratitude.
Pedro Sánchez, in a meeting with leaders of the Spanish Socialist Party, said on Saturday that Edmundo González is “a hero that Spain will not abandon.”
Arrival in Spain
Edmundo González, president-elect of Venezuela, and his wife have already arrived in Spain. The Spanish Air Force plane in which they were traveling landed this Sunday at 3:52 p.m. at the Torrejón military airport (Madrid). The Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío, is also traveling on board the plane.
Edmundo Gonzalezleader of the largest coalition opposed to Chavism, was forced into exile after suffering repression from the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro after the electoral coup of July 28.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement informing of the arrival in Spain of González, who “was received by the Secretary of State for Latin America and Spanish in the World, Susana Sumelzo.”
“The asylum application procedures will now begin, the resolution of which will be favourable in the interest of Spain’s commitment to the political rights and physical integrity of all Venezuelans, especially political leaders,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
