LatinNews Daily - 24 September 2020 |
URUGUAY: Gov’t confirms foreign policy shift on Venezuela |
On 23 September, the Uruguayan government expressed its support for the extension of the mandate of the United Nations (UN) investigation into human rights violations in Venezuela, signalling an expected foreign policy shift under President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou. Analysis: Uruguay’s support for the UN investigation in Venezuela, which has already provided damning reports on the human rights situation there, represents a marked change in tone from the non-interventionist approach favoured by the previous leftist Frente Amplio (FA) coalition governments (2005-2020). Lacalle Pou’s government had already taken a critical stance against the Nicolás Maduro government in Venezuela, turning a page on years of hand-wringing from the FA as to how to respond to the increasing authoritarianism of its former ally. The issue goes beyond mere foreign policy, however; Uruguay’s opposition to the Maduro administration in an international forum could harm the country economically given the close economic ties forged with Venezuela under the FA. It notably risks complicating efforts to negotiate the repayment of some US$33.7m owed by Venezuela to two Uruguayan cooperatives, Funsa and Conaprole.
Looking Ahead: Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo had previously said he will explore all lines of dialogue to help Funsa and Conaprole recoup their dues, while Fernández had acknowledged the complexity of the situation – now made more difficult by Uruguay’s siding against Venezuela in the UN. |