BTN News: The extraordinary session of the Organization of American States (OAS) has stirred many reactions from around the world. Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the OAS, said he would ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He wants Maduro arrested for the violence against protesters in Venezuela, where at least 11 people have died. Almagro pointed out that Maduro had promised violence and is now following through on that promise. He called for the ICC to charge and arrest the main people responsible, including Maduro.
Almagro also criticized Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) for not releasing the voting records. He called it an “absolute record” and urged the CNE to act responsibly. He emphasized that withholding these records is costing lives.
Brian Nichols, the U.S. head of diplomacy for the Western Hemisphere, also spoke at the OAS. He said that opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González had won against Maduro in the elections. Nichols cited clear evidence from the voting records and stated that González had won by millions of votes. He referred to the 80% of voting records reportedly compiled by the opposition. Even if Maduro secured 100% of the votes in the remaining 20% of the records yet to be published, he would still not surpass González, according to Nichols.
Despite the CNE declaring Maduro the winner with 51% of the votes and González with 44%, the opposition claims the real numbers are 30% for Maduro and 70% for González. The international community and Venezuelan citizens have demanded the release of the records, leading to widespread protests.
Nichols urged Maduro and other countries to recognize González as the winner. He stressed that not recognizing González would allow Maduro and his representatives to commit massive fraud and disregard the rule of law.
In another development, Brazilian President Javier Milei plans to visit Chile in early August. This visit is not official, and he does not plan to meet with President Boric. Additionally, Brazil will represent the interests of Argentine and Peruvian citizens in Venezuela. This comes after Maduro expelled their diplomats. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed Argentina’s request. Milei expressed deep gratitude and optimism for the reopening of their embassy in a “free and democratic Venezuela.” He highlighted the strong, historical ties between Brazil and Argentina. Peru’s formal request is still pending.
With this decision, Brazil will manage the assets and archives of the two diplomatic missions and mediate between their governments and Venezuelan authorities. This decision follows Venezuela’s severance of diplomatic ties with Peru after Peru recognized González as Venezuela’s elected president. Although Argentina and five other countries—Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay—had their diplomats expelled, they maintain diplomatic relations without their own representation in Venezuela.
