Panama Expresses Concern over Venezuela at OAS

Panama is observing the current situation in Venezuela with deep concern, as “its effects transcend its borders and represent a real risk to peace, democratic stability, and hemispheric security.” Panama presented its firm position to the Organization of American States (OAS) in support of a peaceful, democratic, and legitimate solution to the situation in Venezuela, based on the popular will expressed by the people in the July 2024 elections, and with the support of the inter-American system. “To ignore that will is to legitimize fraud, normalize authoritarianism, and undermine the fundamental principle of free elections as a source of democratic legitimacy,” stated Panama's representative to the OAS. “Panama reiterates in a clear and unequivocal manner that it does not and will not recognize an authoritarian and illegitimate regime that keeps the Venezuelan people mired in one of the most serious political, social, humanitarian, and security crises in our region,” she declared firmly. This position was presented this Tuesday by Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS, during an extraordinary session of the Permanent Council of this body to consider the events in Venezuela. Ambassador Delgado stated that in Venezuela, there is currently a disregard for popular will and a sustained erosion of democratic institutions. “This situation constitutes a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as basic norms of international law, and activates the international responsibility of the Venezuelan State before the Republic of Panama,” she substantiated. “Over the last year, the hollowing out of institutions, the closure of political spaces, and the systematic use of repressive practices have deepened, leading to a deeply regrettable outcome,” added Delgado, referring to the recent capture of Venezuela's illegitimate ruler to face justice in the United States. Delgado emphasized that the Panamanian government, led by President José Raúl Mulino, is committed to the principles of multilateralism, the sovereignty of States, and unrestricted respect for international law, particularly the principles enshrined in the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Panama proposes a peaceful, democratic solution led by Venezuelans themselves, with the accompaniment of the international community and international mechanisms, including the OAS itself. Additionally, she described the “indispensable” immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, both national and foreign, particularly Olmedo Núñez, a Panamanian who is deprived of liberty without formal charges, due process, full access to defense, or effective consular guarantees. Ambassador Delgado's message coincides with the stance presented one day earlier by Panama's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Eloy Alfaro de Alba, before the Security Council. Delgado also referred to the multidimensional crisis that has forced millions of Venezuelan women and men to leave their country. This stems from heeding the will of the people, which was expressed clearly and forcefully at the polls on July 28, 2024.