EspañolPanama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday its decision to reestablish diplomatic ties with Venezuela within the next few days.
The chancellery of Panama said in a statement that they made this decision “in response to the proposal by the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, of restoring consular relations in Caracas.” Two months ago, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro broke diplomatic and economic ties with the Central American country, accusing it of meddling in internal political affairs.
Panama added that the Venezuelan government looks forward to reopening its consular offices in Panama City to provide consular services for Venezuelan citizens residing in Panama (some 50,000 according to 2012 figures).
The diplomatic break-up started in March when Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli requested a special meeting in the Organization of American States (OEA) to discuss the violence and government abuses in Venezuela, which angered Maduro.
Costa Rica has played the role of Panama’s “legal custodian” during the conflict, attending to the consular affairs of Panamanian residents in Venezuela.
Source: Reuters.