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Spain Denies Involvement in Venezuela Arrests Amid Rising Tensions
MADRID (Reuters) – A source from the Spanish foreign ministry has confirmed that two Spanish nationals detained in Venezuela are not connected to the Spanish secret service, refuting any claims that Spain was involved in activities aimed at destabilizing the South American nation. This statement comes in light of escalating diplomatic tensions following a contested presidential election in Venezuela earlier this year.
According to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, two Spanish citizens, along with three U.S. citizens and one Czech national, were detained on accusations related to plans to undermine the Venezuelan government. Cabello alleged that the two Spaniards, identified as José MarÃa Basoa and Andrés MartÃnez Adasne, had links to Spain’s intelligence services and were purportedly involved in a plot to assassinate a local mayor. The minister shared photographs of the suspects during a press conference held on Saturday.
In response, the Spanish foreign ministry firmly rejected any insinuation of involvement in destabilization efforts, emphasizing that the detainees do not belong to any government agencies, including the Centre for National Intelligence. The source reiterated Spain’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful and democratic resolution to the ongoing political situation in Venezuela.
The recent arrests are likely to exacerbate already strained diplomatic relations between Venezuela and both Spain and the United States, especially following the July presidential election, which has been widely criticized. Cabello also accused the detained U.S. citizens and the Czech individual of plotting to carry out terrorist activities, including targeted attacks against President Nicolás Maduro and other government officials.
The U.S. State Department responded to the developments by labeling the allegations of U.S. involvement in any plots against Maduro as “categorically false.” Additionally, a spokesperson acknowledged the detention of a U.S. military member in Venezuela and mentioned reports of two other unspecified U.S. citizens being detained.
On the diplomatic front, a Spanish foreign ministry representative indicated that the Spanish government is seeking further details from Venezuela regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrests. A request has been made for access to the detained nationals to confirm their identities and understand the charges against them.
Reports indicate that the Spanish nationals were apprehended while photographing locations in the town of Puerto Ayacucho. The situation has led to heightened tensions, exemplified by Venezuela recalling its ambassador from Spain and summoning the Spanish ambassador for consultations after comments from a Spanish official described Maduro’s rule as a dictatorship.
This diplomatic friction intensified when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a Venezuelan opposition figure who had recently fled to Spain following threats of arrest by the Maduro regime. The move was met with hostility from Caracas, particularly as the U.S. also acknowledged Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate winner of the disputed July election.
The complex web of accusations and international reactions underscores the fraught political landscape in Venezuela and the ongoing challenges in its relations with both Spain and the United States.
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