The new Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo introduced the course of action that will guide his tenure and the foreign policy of the government of President Luis Lacalle Pou.
In this respect, he announced changes in the country’s strategy on Venezuela, and made it clear that the Nicolás Maduro regime is a dictatorship.
“According to public international law, democratic norms, my own conviction, and that of the president of the Republic, of the entire government, and undoubtedly of any person born in the land of Artigas [Uruguay’s national hero], I freely say without offence nor fear, Venezuela is a dictatorship,” he emphasized.
Uruguay will continue to be a part of the international groups that seek a democratic exit for Venezuela, but will no longer encourage dialogue with the Maduro regime.
“We will no longer promote actions in favor of a dialogue where conversations are abundant, but where one of the parties lacks goodwill,” said the new Uruguayan foreign minister.
Momentum to Mercosur
Minister Bustillo, a career diplomat, announced the fostering of trade agreements and presented the country as an investment destination.
He added that he would work “with pragmatism” to achieve “the best Mercosur possible.”
Bustillo said he would promote a policy that seeks agreement inside and outside the borders. “In foreign policy, you should try to always shape a state policy,” he said.
On March 1, President Lacalle Pou did not invite Nicolás Maduro to official proceedings for his inauguration, so as not to have “a dictator” before him, he said.