Venezuelan Diplomatic Tensions Rise with Spain Amid Election Dispute

The Venezuelan government has recalled its ambassador to Spain and summoned the Spanish ambassador to its foreign ministry. This move follows comments by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who called President Nicolas Maduro's administration a 'dictatorship.' The diplomatic action coincides with controversy over Venezuela's disputed presidential election results.

The Venezuelan government has taken diplomatic action by recalling its ambassador to Spain for consultations and summoning the Spanish ambassador to Venezuela's foreign ministry. This escalation follows the contentious presidential election results.

On Telegram, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil attributed the move to comments made by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, in which she labeled President Nicolas Maduro's administration as a 'dictatorship' during a book event in Madrid. Robles also commended Venezuelans who had left the country under Maduro's rule.

In response, Gil has called back Ambassador Gladys Gutierrez from Spain and summoned Spanish Ambassador Ramon Santos for a meeting. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares downplayed the significance of these actions, emphasizing the sovereignty of such decisions and his aim to maintain good relations with Venezuela. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has met with Venezuela's self-exiled opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, recognized by Spain's lower house as the legitimate election winner, against official results favoring Maduro.

(With inputs from agencies.)