Spain Denies Involvement in Gonzalez Maduro Negotiations

Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has firmly denied allegations that the Spanish government coerced Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia into signing a document recognizing Nicolás Maduro's election victory in exchange for safe passage to Spain. González, who fled to Spain after receiving an arrest warrant, claims he signed the document under duress while at the Spanish embassy in Caracas. In response, Albares called for the opposition People's Party (PP) to disavow these claims, asserting that Spain's diplomatic efforts were solely focused on ensuring González's safe exit from Venezuela. The head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, presented photos suggesting that Spanish officials were present during the signing, which Albares refuted, emphasizing no Spanish officials were involved in negotiations. The controversy has intensified, with the PP accusing Spain of complicity in Maduro's continued rule. Spain's foreign ministry reiterated its non-involvement in facilitating González's decision or the circumstances surrounding the signed document.