Inquiries have been made by the Socialist Party to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning recent developments in Venezuela. The socialists are seeking an assessment from the PSD/CDS-PP government on the implications and risks these developments pose to the Portuguese and Luso-descendant community. They are also inquiring about the measures planned to ensure their safety.
The socialists expressed concern over escalating tensions surrounding Venezuela’s political leadership, which they say contributes to the unpredictability about the country’s future. These tensions are exacerbated by President Nicolás Maduro’s recent decision to revoke operational authorizations for several international airlines, including TAP, Avianca, Latam, Turkish Airlines, Colombia, and Gol.
The United States President has declared that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “completely closed” amid increasing pressure on the country and escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro.
The socialists are questioning whether there are contingency plans specifically for the Portuguese community in Venezuela, including enhanced communication channels. They are also asking the government if additional measures will be taken to ensure access to consular services and if there are any plans for emergency operations or direct support to Portuguese citizens and Luso-descendants.
Furthermore, the Socialist Party is inquiring about the diplomatic steps taken by the government to reverse Venezuela’s revocation of TAP’s flight authorization.
“It is imperative that the government clarifies this situation to the Assembly of the Republic,” the party urges.
On Thursday, State and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel described continued TAP flights to Venezuela as “completely irresponsible” following a security alert and deemed the Venezuelan authorities’ withdrawal of flight authorization as disproportionate.
Rangel explained, “We are trying, through our embassy, to make the Venezuelan authorities aware that this action is disproportionate. We have no intention to cancel our routes to Venezuela, and obviously, we only suspended flights due to security reasons, which under all international aviation rules, were unavoidable.”
The Socialist Party also considers TAP’s decision as “absolutely normal and responsible,” echoing the sentiment that the Venezuelan response was disproportionate.
Given the more tense political environment, persistent economic deterioration, and sudden restrictions on access and international flights, the Portuguese government should be prepared to ensure the safety and integrity of the Portuguese community in Venezuela, assert the socialist deputies.
The party emphasizes the importance of establishing enhanced monitoring mechanisms, ensuring adequate protection, updated information, and a swift response capability should the situation deteriorate further.
