Spanish Foreign Minister Albares insists that Edmundo González met and signed what he wanted at the Spanish embassy, and that Spain only provided him with asylum. Albares emphasized that everything that happened at the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Venezuela, where González sought refuge, was at the initiative of the opposition member himself. He stated that Spain simply offered a space of tranquility and security for González to speak, meet, or make decisions as he saw fit. Albares denied that the ambassador or any official participated in drafting or preparing the document that González signed admitting Maduro’s electoral victory under coercion. He emphasized that all the events surrounding González’s arrival in Spain were at his own request.
During an interview on TVE, Albares refused to provide detailed information about the events at the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Venezuela, where González met with two key figures of the Maduro regime, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge, President of the Parliament. Albares denied the involvement of the Spanish Government or the embassy in the document’s preparation, stating that Spain only provided a space of tranquility, security, and freedom for González to stay without fear of arrest for as long as he deemed necessary. He reiterated that all the meetings González had at the embassy were requested by him, and he did not speculate on his decisions. Albares emphasized that the ambassador’s sole instructions were to provide a space of freedom and not to interfere.
Albares stated that they offered González a space of security, freedom, and tranquility to decide and meet with whomever he wished, as he was in a very difficult situation. He mentioned that González could have stayed there for as long as he needed. Albares urged González, the only authorized person to clarify what happened at the ambassador’s residence, to provide details if he wishes to do so. He reiterated that González’s only intention was to come to Spain because he was in a “terrible” situation and afraid of being arrested. Albares claimed that if the government had followed the PP’s demands, González would be detained in Caracas.
Furthermore, Albares expressed disappointment that the PP had not apologized for the accusations made on Thursday, alleging government involvement in coercing Edmundo González and Maduro’s “coup” to remain in power, despite González’s own statement refuting these claims. He emphasized that it had been 10 hours since González’s denial, and the PP had not retracted their accusations. Albares reiterated that González’s decision to seek refuge in Spain was entirely his own, and Spain only provided the necessary support and security. He urged for the truth to be respected and for accusations to be based on facts, rather than speculation.
