2014 Panama–Venezuela diplomatic crisis

Differences between Maduro and Martinelli 2014 Panama–Venezuela diplomatic crisis Crisis in Venezuela Ricardo Martinelli Presidente de Panamá.jpg Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela (2016) cropped.jpg center 300 2 black 1 black Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli (left) and Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro (right) 2014 3 5 y – 2014 7 1 y Panama and Venezuela Accusations by the Venezuelan government of interference by Panama in their internal affairs, arising from the 2014 Venezuelan protests by Venezuelan opposition members and students against the government of Nicolás Maduro Relations restored following the election of opposition leader Juan Carlos Varela as the new Panamanian president, and both countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations Panama Venezuela Panamá Ricardo Martinelli(President of Panama) Venezuela presidential Nicolás Maduro(President of Venezuela) The 2014 Panama–Venezuela diplomatic crisis refers to the differences that arose between the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro and the Panamanian government of Ricardo Martinelli which strained Panama–Venezuela relations, which began after a series of protests by Venezuelan students and opposition leaders that began in February 2014.14 February 2014 Panamá preocupado por situación en Venezuela y la sigue con cautela http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2014/02/14/panama-preocupado-por-situacion-en-venezuela-y-la-sigue-con-cautela/ 15 March 2014 La Patilla es La situación que se vive “en un país hermano” como es Venezuela “nos preocupa” y es seguida “con cautela y prudencia” por Panamá, dijo el canciller en referencia a las muertes registradas el pasado miércoles en el país suramericano en el marco de una jornada de protestas convocada por la oposiciónMeléndez José 22 February 2014 El Gobierno venezolano acusa a Panamá de injerencia El País http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2014/02/22/actualidad/1393030795_870993.html 15 March 2014 Ediciones El País S. L es Sin mencionar a Estados Unidos, la delegación venezolana respondió con una acusación al “imperio” de impulsar “un golpe de Estado callejero y mediático” en Venezuela The crisis started on 5 March, when, during the celebrations for the first anniversary of the death of former president Hugo Chávez, Maduro publicly announced the breaking of diplomatic and commercial relations with Panama and accused Martinelli of being a "creeping lackey" of the United States.5 March 2014 Venezuela rompe relaciones con Panamá http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2014/03/140305_venezuela_aniversario_muerte_chavez_en.shtml 15 March 2014 BBC Mundo es "No vamos a permitir que nadie se meta impunemente con nuestra patria, lacayo rastrero presidente de Panamá", aseguró Maduro, quien ya había hecho referencia a la petición del presidente de Panamá, Ricardo Martinelli, para convocar al Consejo Permanente de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) The cutting off of diplomatic relations revealed a series of irregularities reported by the Panamanian government, including a multimillion-dollar debt from Venezuela to the Colón Free Trade Zone in Panama7 March 2014 5 claves sobre la ruptura de relaciones entre Venezuela y Panamá http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2014/03/140307_venezuela_panama_relaciones_claves.shtml 8 March 2014 BBC Mundo and the alleged interference by President Maduro in the 2014 Panamanian general election, by supporting the opposition Democratic Revolutionary Party.http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/5353-Martinelli-acusa-a-Maduro-de-financiar-campana-de-Navarro- Martinelli acusa a Maduro de financiar campaña de Navarro Presidencia de Panamá 18 March 2014 20 March 2014 Meanwhile, Panama took action to give a voice to the Venezuelan opposition in the Organization of American States (OAS)10 March 2014 Vallarino pide que se invite a la OEA a diputada venezolana http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/oea-venezuela-machado-vallarino/289498 12 March 2014 La Prensa 16 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140716175728/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/oea-venezuela-machado-vallarino/289498 dead 11 March 2014 Panamá no se rinde ante la OEA. Embajador Vallarino en NTN24: "queremos que escuchen en Washington a opositores venezolanos" http://www.ntn24.com/noticias/panama-no-se-rinde-ante-la-oea-embajador-vallarino-en-ntn24-queremos-que-escuchen-en-washington 12 March 2014 NTN24 12 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140312212238/http://www.ntn24.com/noticias/panama-no-se-rinde-ante-la-oea-embajador-vallarino-en-ntn24-queremos-que-escuchen-en-washington dead and responded in harsh terms to the accusations of the Venezuelan government.7 March 2014 Maduro es inmaduro y debe pedir disculpas a Panamá http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/5322-Maduro-es-inmaduro-y-debe-pedir-disculpas-a-Panama 20 March 2014 Presidencia de Panamá However, the crisis took a turn with the election of opposition leader Juan Carlos Varela as Panama's president-elect on 4 May, which prompted the Maduro government to commit to Panama in the normalization of relations.5 May 2014 Venezuela y Panamá se comprometen a relanzar relaciones diplomáticas http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/venezuela-panama-relaciones/320252 5 May 2014 6 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506014851/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/venezuela-panama-relaciones/320252 dead With the accusations between Martinelli and Maduro having ceased, and in turn Panama's support for Venezuelan opposition groups, the consulate in Panama was reopened a few days later,27 May 2014 Consulado de Venezuela en Panamá empezó a entregar pasaportes pendientes http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/consulado-panama-pasaporte-venezuela/332078 6 June 2014 6 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140606214440/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/consulado-panama-pasaporte-venezuela/332078 dead 27 May 2014 Venezuela reabre su consulado en Panamá http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2723991&Itemid=1 6 June 2014 and President-elect Varela committed to the reestablishment of diplomatic and commercial relations, once he assumed power on 1 July,http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&idioma=1&id=2759201&Itemid=1 Varela ratifica restablecimiento relaciones de Panamá con Venezuela 5 June 2014 6 June 2014 and ratified by the vice president of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza, who visited the presidential inauguration and ended the crisis.1 July 2014 Venezuela y Panamá restablecen relaciones diplomáticas http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Panama-restablece-relaciones-diplomaticas-Venezuela_0_711829654.html#.U7NCu7GTHXo 1 July 20141 July 2014 Restablecen relaciones diplomáticas Panamá y Venezuela http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&idioma=1&id=2841781&Itemid=1 1 July 2014 Background 2014 Venezuelan protests left|thumb|262x262px|Venezuelan opposition march in the city of Caracas (12 February 2014). The protests in Venezuela — also called by the opposition as 12F and La Salida— Calvo Gastón 13 February 2014 Violencia en Venezuela: Maduro anunció que los que se movilicen "sin permiso" serán detenidos http://www.infobae.com/2014/02/13/1543394-violencia-venezuela-maduro-anuncio-que-los-que-se-movilicen-sin-permiso-seran-detenidos 24 February 2014 Infobae es Durante toda la jornada, las imágenes de los incidentes fueron subidas a Twitter con los hashtags #12FVenezuelaPaLaCalle y #12F. Miles de usuarios no dudaron en mostrar imágenes de la violencia desatada en Caracas y en distintas localidades del paísKurczy Stephen 13 February 2014 Venezuelan student protesters tweet #LaSalida to call for president's exit https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2014/0213/Venezuelan-student-protesters-tweet-LaSalida-to-call-for-president-s-exit-video 24 February 2014 Global News Blog en Demonstrators also took to the Internet, circulating the Twitter hashtag #LaSalida (The Exit) as a rally call for Mr. Maduro to step down are a series of demonstrations against the socialist government of Venezuela headed by President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro, which started on 12 February 2014, called by the leaders of the Venezuelan opposition María Corina Machado and Leopoldo López23 January 2014 Esta fue la rueda de prensa de Leopoldo López y María Corina Machado El Diario de Caracas http://diariodecaracas.com/politica/leopoldo-lopez-maria-corina-machado-haran-anuncios-importantes-hoy-lasalida https://web.archive.org/web/20140221232146/http://diariodecaracas.com/politica/leopoldo-lopez-maria-corina-machado-haran-anuncios-importantes-hoy-lasalida 21 February 2014 24 February 2014 es El dirigente nacional del partido Voluntad Popular, Leopoldo López, y la diputada a la Asamblea Nacional, María Corina Machado, se dirigieron al país la mañana de este jueves para convocarlos a asambleas de calle and organized in conjunction with student movements.October 2024 They take place in several cities of the country, and among the motivations alleged by the opposition protesters are discontent over the alleged violation of civil rights (a "suspension of guarantees")Gutiérrez Miguel 13 February 2014 López, Machado y Ledezma acusan a Maduro de "suspender garantías" y llaman a más marchas http://www.noticierodigital.com/2014/02/930pm-leopoldo-lopez-maria-corina-machado-y-antonio-ledezma-acusan-a-maduro-de-suspender-garantias-y-llaman-a-mas-marchas/ 24 February 2014 Noticiero Digital es Dirigentes opositores acusaron hoy al presidente venezolano, Nicolás Maduro, de “suspender garantías” constitucionales y llamaron a más marchas, después de que el jefe del Ejecutivo indicara que había dado instrucciones de que se impidieran las manifestaciones sin permiso the chronic shortage of basic products, high levels of criminal violence Lucca Nicolás 11 February 2014 Una ola de protestas, represión y detenciones sacuden a Venezuela http://www.perfil.com/internacional/Una-ola-de-protestas-represion-y-detenciones-sacuden-a-Venezuela-20140211-0032.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140222190637/http://www.perfil.com/internacional/Una-ola-de-protestas-represion-y-detenciones-sacuden-a-Venezuela-20140211-0032.html 22 February 2014 24 February 2014 Editorial Perfil S.A. es and the alleged interference of Cuba and Castroism in the politics of Venezuela. One of the main objectives of the protests within the student movement is the change of political and economic model and the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro and his cabinet.18 February 2014 Movimiento Estudiantil expone motivos de su protesta http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Movimiento-Estudiantil-emite-comunicado-nacion_0_358164451.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140224212356/http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Movimiento-Estudiantil-emite-comunicado-nacion_0_358164451.html 24 February 2014 24 February 2014 El Nacional es En el Día de la Juventud, aniversario glorioso para todos los estudiantes venezolanos, elevamos el volumen de nuestra protesta; varios compañeros dieron la vida por ello. […] Siendo de esta naturaleza nuestros objetivos, el Movimiento Estudiantil considera como primer paso la renuncia de Nicolás Maduro y todo su gabinete. De la misma forma, nuestro Estado no puede continuar bajo la dirección del castro comunismo: exigimos la inmediata expulsión de todos los agentes cubanos de nuestras instituciones Alongside the opposition demonstrations, the government also called for marches in its favour in Caracas and other cities.Gran concentración por la paz y la vida en la Av. Bolívar http://www.avn.info.ve/galeria/221777 24 February 2014 Agencia Venezolana de Noticias es The Executive affirms that no guarantees have been suspended and that civil liberties are fully exercised in Venezuela. The Maduro government reportedly identifies protesters and opposition leaders who, according to them, promote violence and hatred as "fascists".8 February 2014 Presidente Maduro llama a aislar grupos fascistas que promueven odio y violencia http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/presidente-maduro-llama-aislar-grupos-fascistas-que-promueven-odio-y-violencia 25 February 2014 Agencia Venezolana de Noticias es El presidente de la República, Nicolás Maduro, llamó al pueblo revolucionario aislar a aquellos grupos que promueven odio, intolerancia y violencia. Asimismo, felicitó al pueblo del estado Táchira por su masiva participación en la Caminata por la Paz y la Vida que se realiza en la capital de la entidad, donde este jueves se registró unos hechos de violencia The demonstrations and riots left a total of 21 people dead (including government supporters, opponents, National Guard officials and others) and 261 injured, according to a report by the Attorney General's Office,28 February 2014 Muere militar en protesta en Venezuela; van 18 muertos http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2014/muere-militar-en-protesta-en-venezuela-van-18-muertos-991510.html 28 February 2014 El Universal es Ortega Díaz confirmó que en la víspera falleció un joven en Carabobo tras recibir un disparo de arma de fuego cuando estaba limpiando una calle repleta de desechos de las barricadas, con la muerte del guardia nacional y el joven en Carabobo se elevan a 18 los fallecidos por las protestas callejeras. while the Venezuelan Penal Forum (a human rights organization linked to the opposition) reports 33 alleged cases of torture.28 February 2014 "Tenemos 33 casos de tortura documentados" http://www.el-nacional.com/sociedad/casos-tortura-documentados_3_364193589.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140304025220/http://www.el-nacional.com/sociedad/casos-tortura-documentados_3_364193589.html 4 March 2014 4 March 2014 El Nacional es El abogado Gonzalo Himiob, directivo del Foro Penal Venezolano, explicó que las torturas cometidas por cuerpos de seguridad del Estado en perjuicio de los participantes de las protestas de febrero constan en las actas judiciales de cada caso: “33 víctimas denunciaron formalmente ante fiscales y jueces los atropellos a los cuales fueron sometidos” Acts of vandalism against public property have been reported during the demonstrations, which the Venezuelan government attributes to opponents, as well as the existence of armed motorized gangs or "collectives", supposedly formed by Chavismo sympathizers, who attacked opposition protesters and who have reportedly caused several deaths and assaults.12 February 2014 Motorizados atacaron a balazos a los estudiantes opositores: hay 3 muertos y 23 heridos http://www.infobae.com/2014/02/12/1543294-motorizados-atacaron-balazos-los-estudiantes-opositores-hay-3-muertos-y-23-heridos 24 February 2014 Infobae es El periodista Ángel Villarroel Lara, […] denunció en Twitter que colectivos pertenecientes al oficialismo lanzaron abrieron fuego al aire, mientras que la policía disparó perdigones contra las personas que se encontraban frente a la Fiscalía On 21 February, the Venezuelan government withdrew the operating permit and signal within Venezuela from the international channelsNTN24 and CNN en Español,Janiot Patricia 21 February 2014 Gobierno de Venezuela revoca las credenciales a periodistas de CNN en Español http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2014/02/21/gobierno-de-venezuela-revoca-credenciales-periodistas-cnn/ 24 February 2014 Cable News Network es El gobierno de Venezuela revocó o denegó las credenciales de periodista a los reporteros de CNN en el país después de que el presidente Nicolás Maduro anunciara que expulsaría a CNN si no "rectificaba" su cobertura de las protestas antigubernamentales14 February 2014 Maduro: Sacar del aire a NTN24 fue decisión de Estado http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/140214/maduro-sacar-del-aire-a-ntn24-fue-decision-de-estado 25 February 2014 El Universal es El presidente de la República, Nicolás Maduro, aseguró que la decisión de sacar al canal de noticias NTN24 de los canales que ofrecen las cableras DirecTV y Movistar fue una decisión de Estado13 February 2014 Venezuela: sacaron del aire al canal colombiano NTN 24 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1663621-venezuela-sacaron-del-aire-al-canal-colombiano-ntn-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20140301204444/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1663621-venezuela-sacaron-del-aire-al-canal-colombiano-ntn-24 1 March 2014 25 February 2014 La Nación S. A. es "Confirmado; DirecTV ha removido la señal de NTN24 en Venezuela", escribió Bilancieri en otro mensaje de su cuenta de Twitter @Bilancieri. E informó que Movistar también retiró la señal del canal de su lista. "Me confirman que Movistar nos ha retirado de su parrilla de canales", escribió dead12 February 2013 Sacan del aire al canal internacional NTN24 en Venezuela http://diariodecaracas.com/que-sucede/sacaron-del-aire-la-senal-ntn24-en-venezuela-fotos https://web.archive.org/web/20140306021130/http://diariodecaracas.com/que-sucede/sacaron-del-aire-la-senal-ntn24-en-venezuela-fotos 6 March 2014 25 February 2014 Diario de CCS, LLC es La periodista de NTN24, Idania Chirinos confirmó que la señal del canal habría sido sacada del aire en las cableras venezolanas retracting its decision on 22 February with CNN, issuing new credentials for the journalists of the North American network.22 February 2014 Maduro dice ahora que CNN puede quedarse en Venezuela http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2014/02/22/maduro-dice-ahora-que-cnn-puede-quedarse-en-venezuela/ 24 February 2014 Cable News Network es Durante una conferencia de prensa transmitida por la televisión estatal, Maduro dio marcha atrás diciendo que CNN podía quedarse. [...] Tras más de dos horas de rueda de prensa, autoridades venezolanas comunicaron a CNN que se emitirían credenciales para que sus periodistas puedan reportar en el país He was also accused of trying to block Twitter.15 February 2014 Twitter denuncia el bloqueo de mensajes en Venezuela y la operadora estatal lo niega http://noticias.lainformacion.com/mundo/twitter-denuncia-el-bloqueo-de-mensajes-en-venezuela-y-la-operadora-estatal-lo-niega_QH3fQoy9MtuZbp1xpSnP72/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140312183358/http://noticias.lainformacion.com/mundo/twitter-denuncia-el-bloqueo-de-mensajes-en-venezuela-y-la-operadora-estatal-lo-niega_QH3fQoy9MtuZbp1xpSnP72/ 12 March 2014 24 February 2014 Lainformacion.com es La red social Twitter ha denunciado este viernes el bloqueo de mensajes en Venezuela, tal y como habían asegurado usuarios y activistas el jueves, con motivo de las protestas estudiantiles, algo que la Compañía Anónima Teléfonos de Venezuela (Cantv) niega y atribuye a fallos internos de la red social15 February 2014 Empresa pública de telecomunicaciones niega bloqueo de Twitter en Venezuela http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2014/02/15/1680427/empresa-publica-de-telecomunicaciones.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140227015812/http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2014/02/15/1680427/empresa-publica-de-telecomunicaciones.html 27 February 2014 24 February 2014 Miami Herald Media Company es La estatal Compañía Anónima Nacional Teléfonos de Venezuela (Cantv) negó hoy categóricamente haber bloqueado imágenes en la red social Twitter como habían reportado usuarios de esa red social y confirmado un portavoz de la compañía estadounidense dead Panama's first reactions to the protests right vertical 200 The Presidents Accelerating Infrastructure Development Ricardo Martinelli (8410953465).jpg Ricardo Martinelli, president of Panama Nicolas Maduro in Brasilia.jpg Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela In the first days of the diplomatic dispute, the Panamanian foreign minister, Francisco Álvarez de Soto, stated that his government was "concerned about the Venezuelan situation and understands that it is an internal process but that Panama hopes for peace, tolerance and dialogue." Panama's opinion on the protests in Venezuela generated an effect where both the Venezuelan and Panamanian governments called their ambassadors for consultations, and then the Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elías Jaua accused his Panamanian counterpart of "interference in internal affairs"; the matter escalated on 21 February when President Maduro himself accused President Martinelli of being part of the Latin American right, of acting on behalf of the United States Department of State and of dividing the region.González Carlos H. 21 February 2014 Maduro: "Martinelli, Santos y Piñera quieren dividir a la región" http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/02/21/nicolas-maduro-ricardo-martinelli-juan-manuel-santos-sebastian-pinera-venezuela-chile-panama-colombia-200285.asp https://web.archive.org/web/20140303014152/http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/02/21/nicolas-maduro-ricardo-martinelli-juan-manuel-santos-sebastian-pinera-venezuela-chile-panama-colombia-200285.asp 3 March 2014 15 March 2014 Grupo Editorial El Siglo y La Estrella es El presidente venezolano Nicolás Maduro cuestionó en conferencia de prensa a los presidentes de Panamá, Ricardo Martinelli; de Chile, Sebastián Piñera y de Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, por emitir comentarios que se inmiscuyen en los asuntos internos de Venezuela. Maduro calificó la posición de estos tres mandatarios como de "derecha y de unirse en una campaña internacional para dividir a la región" Martinelli responded to Maduro that he does not act under pressure from anyone and that he is not an enemy of the Venezuelan government, but that he calls for peace.González Carlos H. 21 February 2014 Martinelli le responde a Maduro que él no actúa por presiones http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/02/21/ricardo-martinelli-nicolas-maduro-panama-protestas-en-venezuela-200288.asp https://web.archive.org/web/20140303014102/http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/02/21/ricardo-martinelli-nicolas-maduro-panama-protestas-en-venezuela-200288.asp 3 March 2014 15 March 2014 Grupo Editorial El Siglo y La Estrella es El Presidente Martinelli a través de su cuenta de Twitter, aseguró: "Panamá ni su Presidente actúan por presiones. No somos enemigos del pueblo o Gobierno venezolano; solo queremos ayudarlos a encontrar la paz" On 25 February, Martinelli requested a meeting of foreign ministers at the Organization of American States (OEA) to analyse the situation in Venezuela.25 February 2014 Panamá solicita a OEA convocar reunión para analizar situación en Venezuela http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Panama-OEA-analizar-situacion-Venezuela_0_674033082.html 15 March 2014 MEDCOM Panamá es En una nota enviada a la Organización de Estados Americanos, el Gobierno de Panamá ha solicitado convocar a una reunión de cancilleres de los países miembros para analizar la situación de Venezuela Cutting of diplomatic ties On March 5, President Maduro announced during the anniversary ceremony of the death of Hugo Chávez the breaking of diplomatic and commercial relations with Panama and accused President Martinelli of being a "lowly lackey."  In response to these statements by Maduro, Martinelli wrote on his Twitter account that "the decision of the Government of Venezuela is surprising.http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2014/03/140305_venezuela_aniversario_muerte_chavez_en.shtml Venezuela rompe relaciones con Panamá 15 March 2014 5 March 2014 BBC Mundo London, Reino Unido es "No vamos a permitir que nadie se meta impunemente con nuestra patria, lacayo rastrero presidente de Panamá", aseguró Maduro, quien ya había hecho referencia a la petición del presidente de Panamá, Ricardo Martinelli, para convocar al Consejo Permanente de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) Panama only yearns for this sister country to find peace and strengthen its democracy.5 March 2014 6 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140306034653/http://www.noticias24.com/venezuela/noticia/226119/ricardo-martinelli-sorprendido-por-la-decision-de-venezuela-de-romper-relaciones/ 5 March 2014 Noticias24 Ricardo Martinelli "sorprendido" por la decisión de Venezuela de romper relaciones http://www.noticias24.com/venezuela/noticia/226119/ricardo-martinelli-sorprendido-por-la-decision-de-venezuela-de-romper-relaciones/ The Panamanian government issued an official statement calling the insults uttered by President Maduro "unacceptable" and saying that the foul language is inappropriate. The statement also indicates that the Venezuelan government's measures "should not constitute a smokescreen that seeks to deny its own reality."5 March 2014 Presidencia de la República de Panamá - Comunicado http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/5319-COMUNICADO 5 March 2014 In the same sense, the vice president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, pointed out that the measure of breaking relations is "absurd" and that Panama's duty is to call for dialogue and social peace.5 March 2014 Reacciones luego de que Venezuela anunciara ruptura de relaciones con Panamá http://www.prensa.com/uhora/mundo/reacciones-luego-que-venezuela-anunciara-ruptura-relaciones-panama/286624 5 March 2014 La Prensa (Panamá) 6 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140306083214/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/mundo/reacciones-luego-que-venezuela-anunciara-ruptura-relaciones-panama/286624 dead In an interview with NTN24, President Martinelli proposed that the only way to establish a national dialogue in Venezuela would be the release of leader Leopoldo Leopoldo López, and declared that López's arrest was "a very big mistake." Similarly, the Panamanian government has published a statement that has been broadcast through the national media strongly reflecting the repudiation of President Maduro's statements, considering it an "attack" on Panama, the president and his government, while advocating for peace and freedom in Venezuela, echoing the military dictatorship that Panama suffered between 1968 and 1989.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozJT6lbMWnE Venezuelan debt in the Colon Free Zone thumb|262x262px|Businesses in the Colon Free Zone. The breakdown of relations between Panama and Venezuela brought to light a background where Venezuela maintains a business debt of around 2 billion dollars with the Colón Free Trade Zone in Panama and that its review was suspended after the breakup. This debt has had the effect of reducing or suspending sales from the free zone, falling from 30% in 2012 to 10% of total sales currently. However, Maduro stressed that President Martinelli himself was imposing " bribes" on Venezuelan businessmen, charging 20% of the invoices to finance the Panamanian electoral campaign; which the Panamanian government responded as accusations lacking truth and President Martinelli called Maduro "immature".7 March 2014 Panamá lamenta "afirmaciones carentes de toda realidad" de Maduro http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5jFkC5LBGpvOHB22qh35106WaIXlQ?docId=2259220 8 March 2014 Europa Press On 11 March, the general manager of the Colon Free Trade Zone accused Venezuelan businessmen in complicity with the government of inflating the debt of the free trade zone to the detriment of the Free Trade Zone and Panamanian exporters. He added that this irregularity was already known to the Venezuelan government since October 2013, and that the fraudulent debt amounts to 937 million dollars, of which he pointed to Cadivi, the Central Bank of Venezuela and Seniat as the government components behind the action, responding that Maduro's accusations against the debt with Panama are a "lie".11 March 2014 Empresarios y el Gobierno Venezuela se confabularon para inflar la deuda con Panamá http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5hEnhS-sk50TG2ufzSE5bi2-liRPA?docId=2262103 12 March 2014 Europa Press11 March 2014 Benedetti dice que deuda de Venezuela es de 535 millones y culpa a Maduro http://horacero.com.pa/nacionales/105423-benedetti-dice-que-deuda-de-venezuela-es-de-535-millones-y-culpa-a-maduro.html 12 March 2014 Hora Cero On 19 March, Panama's Minister of Commerce, Ricardo Qujano, submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) protest notes against what he called "discriminatory measures" by Venezuela and which therefore violate international agreements, since Panama has not received any written note from the Venezuelan government regarding the breaking of trade relations. Panamanian foreign minister, Álvarez de Soto, stated that Panama will defend its commercial interests before international bodies.19 March 2014 Panamá defenderá internacionalmente sus intereses frente medidas venezolanas http://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20140320/54403259804/panama-defendera-internacionalmente-sus-intereses-frente-medidas-venezolanas.html 20 March 2014 La Vanguardia On April 3, at the World Economic Forum on Latin America, Martinelli harshly questioned the Venezuelan economic system, stating that it was unthinkable that a country like Venezuela "has such a huge administrative mess and that the resources of the Venezuelan people have been squandered, stolen, (that) there is not even toilet paper...".http://www.voanoticias.com/content/martinelli-venezuela-ca%C3%B3tica-y-catastr%C3%B3fica/1885392.html Martinelli: Venezuela es "caótica y catastrófica" Voice of America 3 April 2014 6 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140406092121/http://www.voanoticias.com/content/martinelli-venezuela-ca%C3%B3tica-y-catastr%C3%B3fica/1885392.html 6 April 2014 Despite the break in trade, Panama ruled out any retaliatory measures against Venezuela, and announced that they would abstain from economic measures and that they would wait for the next government to be elected on 4 May to be the one in charge of it, according to the Panamanian Minister of the Presidency, Roberto Henríquez.6 April 2014 6 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140406132255/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/economia/medidas-retorsion-panama-venezuela/302784 3 April 2014 Descartan medidas de retorsión contra Venezuela http://www.prensa.com/uhora/economia/medidas-retorsion-panama-venezuela/302784 dead La Prensa (Panamá) Panama requests OAS to address protests in Venezuela thumb|240x240px|Headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C. The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) met in a closed-door session for two days on March 6 and 7 on the situation in Venezuela at the request of Panama, resulting in a large majority in continuing the process of national dialogue proposed by the Venezuelan government and ruling out a meeting between foreign ministers (proposed by Panama) and making periodic reports to the Permanent Council on the situation in Venezuela (proposed by Peru). In the final declaration, approved by 29 countries and rejected by Canada, the United States and Panama, it expresses condolences for the victims of the protests, calls for progress in investigations, calls for the rejection of violence and for respect for human rights; and also calls for "respect for the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States."http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20140308/54402171038/oea-pide-seguir-dialogo-en-venezuela-para-decepcion-de-ee-uu-panama-y-canada.html OEA pide seguir diálogo en Venezuela para decepción de EE.UU, Panamá y Canadá La Vanguardia 8 March 2014 8 March 2014 Efforts to support the Venezuelan opposition On 10 March, the Panamanian ambassador to the OAS, Arturo Vallarino, proposed inviting Venezuelan opposition leaders to the Permanent Council session, such as legislators María Corina Machado, Henrique Capriles, Antonio Ledezma, unions and student leaders, as a way of learning about the situation in Venezuela. The Panamanian ambassador stated that this measure has the approval of President Martinelli and that they are aware of the cost that this action would entail. On 13 March, President Martinelli announced that he would receive Congresswoman María Corina Machado at the presidential palace in Panama City, to make Panama's request that opposition leaders be heard at the OAS,13 March 2014 Presidente Martinelli confirma visita de María Corina Machado a Panamá http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Presidente-Martinelli-Corina-Machado-Panama_0_678833135.html 14 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá which has generated reactions from the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Diosdado Caballero, accusing Martinelli of being a "lackey" of the United States.15 March 2014 Presidente de la Asamblea de Venezuela arremete contra Martinelli http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/03/15/panama-venezuela-ricardo-martinelli-diosdado-cabello-204407.asp 16 March 2014 La Estrella de Panamá 16 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140316034733/http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/noticias/2014/03/15/panama-venezuela-ricardo-martinelli-diosdado-cabello-204407.asp dead Later, the Panamanian ambassador to the OAS, Arturo Vallarino, declared that he would cede the Panamanian chair to Deputy Corina Machado and a delegation of students and opposition trade unionists at the next regular meeting of the OAS on 21 March, and that Panama would insist on the defence of human rights in Venezuela.http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/vallarino-panama-ofrecio-su-silla-que-oposicion-venezolana-sea-escuchada/292830 Panamá ofreció su silla para que oposición venezolana sea escuchada en OEA La Prensa (Panamá) 17 March 2014 17 March 2014 http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/vallarino-panama-ofrecio-su-silla-que-oposicion-venezolana-sea-escuchada/292830 InternetArchiveBot October 2024 However, during the regular meeting where the situation in Venezuela was to be discussed, it was first decided to hold a closed-door session and then the session was cancelled with the approval of the majority of the countries, leaving Maria Corina Machado unable to speak at the event.21 March 2014 La OEA decide sesionar sobre Venezuela a "puerta cerrada" http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2014/03/140321_ultnot_oea_venezuela_panama_az.shtml 22 March 2014 BBC Mundo21 March 2014 Diputada opositora no logra exponer situación de Venezuela en la OEA http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2014/03/140321_ultnot_oea_venezuela_machado_jgc.shtml 22 March 2014 BBC Mundo The president of the National Assembly of Venezuela Diosdado Cabello argued that Corina Machado had "self-stripped" herself of the investiture of a deputy by accepting the "alternate representation" of Panama at the OAS meeting, a fact that was ratified by the National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela on April 1.1 April 2014 El Supremo venezolano avala la pérdida del escaño de la opositora Corina Machado http://www.abc.es/internacional/20140401/abci-venezuela-corina-201404011312.html 6 April 2014 ABC.es Martinelli responded harshly to the dismissal, accusing Maduro of not respecting "democratic and civil liberties" and said that the situation in Venezuela is "chaotic and catastrophic". Accusations of interference in Panamanian elections thumb|240x240px|Flag of the Democratic Revolutionary Party. The Panamanian government has accused Maduro of favoring the opposition party in the 2014 Panamanian general election. In parallel to the breaking of diplomatic relations, President Nicolás Maduro repeatedly mentioned the figure of the deceased Panamanian military man Omar Torrijos Herrera, naming a popular building in western Caracas after the military man, a day after the breaking of relations; calling Torrijos a "Bolivarian general".6 March 2014 Maduro bautiza con el nombre de Omar Torrijos un edificio en sector popular http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5iYw9NHj9lCab4ePxi5DIRzwLLUQQ?docId=2258437 17 March 2014 EFE Later, on 15 March, by orders of Maduro, units of the National Armed Forces would be instructed with the "thought" of Omar Torrijos and he reiterated his praise for the Panamanian military man.15 March 2014 Presidente Maduro invita a la Fanb estudiar el pensamiento militar de Omar Torrijos http://www.elperiodiquito.com/article/143609/Presidente-Maduro-invita-a-la-Fanb-estudiar-el-pensamiento-militar-de-Omar-Torrijos 17 March 2014 El Periodiquito 17 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317031707/http://www.elperiodiquito.com/article/143609/Presidente-Maduro-invita-a-la-Fanb-estudiar-el-pensamiento-militar-de-Omar-Torrijos dead These actions provoked a harsh reaction from the Panamanian government on 16 March, who accused Maduro of interfering in the Panamanian electoral process of 4 May 2014, where the opposition Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), founded by Omar Torrijos, ran for president for the ruling Democratic Change of President Martinelli. In an official statement, the Panamanian government accused Maduro of having preferences for the PRD for the praise of Torrijos and demanded not to interfere in the local electoral process,16 March 2014 Cancillería de Panamá rechaza continuos ataques de Maduro http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/cancilleria-panama-rechaza-ataques-maduro/292807 17 March 2014 La Prensa (Panamá) 17 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317050722/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/cancilleria-panama-rechaza-ataques-maduro/292807 dead emphasizing foreign governments that finance Panama's opposition parties to "get their hairy hands off".17 March 2014 Martinelli pide a gobiernos extranjeros no financiar a candidatos de oposición http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/martinelli-candidatos-gobiernos-extranjeros/293460 20 March 2014 La Prensa (Panamá) 20 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140320101926/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/martinelli-candidatos-gobiernos-extranjeros/293460 dead On 18 March, the Presidency of Panama issued a statement in which President Martinelli accused Maduro of directly financing the campaign of PRD presidential candidate Juan Carlos Navarro, pointing to the Venezuelan president's wishes that the next elected government of Panama be "Torrijista" as proof. Martinelli added that "Maduro should be solving the problems of shortages in his country and not putting his hands in Panama".18 March 2014 Martinelli acusa a Maduro de financiar campaña de Navarro http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/5353-Martinelli-acusa-a-Maduro-de-financiar-campana-de-Navarro- 20 March 2014 Presidencia de Panamá Protests by Venezuelans living in Panama The Venezuelan community in Panama, according to official figures, is around 12 thousand people in 2012,7 October 2012 Jornada electoral de venezolanos en Panamá se desarrolla con normalidad http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/jornada-electoral-de-venezolanos-en-panama-se-desarrolla-con-normalidad/128918 20 March 2014 La Prensa (Panamá) 20 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140320101416/http://www.prensa.com/uhora/locales/jornada-electoral-de-venezolanos-en-panama-se-desarrolla-con-normalidad/128918 dead have demonstrated in favour of President Martinelli and against Maduro, with calls in parks in the Panamanian capital and other cities in the interior.15 March 2014 Venezolanos residentes en Panamá convocan a protesta pacífica http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-residentes-Panama-convocan-pacifica_0_679432287.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá22 February 2014 Venezolanos forman SOS humano en la Cinta Costera http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-SOS-humano-Cinta-Costera_0_673133137.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá8 March 2014 Venezolanos en Panamá realizaron "Pancartazo" en contra de Maduro http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-Panama-realizaron-Pancartazo_0_677332818.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá6 March 2014 Venezolanos en Panamá preocupados por conflicto diplomático http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-Panama-preocupados-conflicto-diplomatico_3_676762357.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá A protest was also called in front of the Cuban embassy in Panama, denouncing possible interference by the Caribbean island in Venezuela.17 March 2014 Venezolanos en Panamá protestan contra la injerencia de Cuba en su país http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-Panama-protestan-injerencia-Cuba_0_680032592.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá Among other measures, the Venezuelan community sent a letter with more than 1,800 signatures on March 7 in support of President Martinelli and the Panamanian government, emphasizing that their action was "in accordance with the law" and that President Maduro "attacked" Martinelli and the Panamanian people "in a disproportionate and rude manner".7 March 2014 Venezolanos entregan carta de apoyo al gobierno panameño http://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/Venezolanos-entregan-carta-gobierno-panameno_0_677033248.html 20 March 2014 Telemetro Panamá10 March 2014 Venezolanos envían carta en solidaridad al presidente Martinelli http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/5330-Venezolanos-envian-carta-en-solidaridad-al-presidente-Martinelli 20 March 2014 Presidencia de Panamá Normalisation of relations thumb|342x342px|Juan Carlos Varela, president of Panama after July 2014. Varela's election as president marked a turning point and normalization in relations with Venezuela. The first signs of easing the crisis were made by Nicolás Maduro on the night of 4 May, after the presidential elections in Panama had ended, where the vice president and opposition candidate Juan Carlos Varela, of the Panameñista Party, was chosen as president-elect, defeating the government candidate José Domingo Arias. According to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Maduro called Varela by phone to congratulate him on the victory, and indicated that both would commit to accelerating the normalization and relaunching of diplomatic and commercial relations between Panama and Venezuela. On 19 May, the exchange of diplomatic notes and the reestablishment of relations at the consular level were announced, confirmed by Panamanian foreign minister Francisco Álvarez de Soto, and that the action to relaunch relations was proposed by the Venezuelan government.19 May 2014 Panamá y Venezuela reabrirán consulados http://www.voanoticias.com/content/venezual_panama_consulado/1918035.html 22 May 201421 May 2014 Panamá anuncia que reabrirá esta semana secciones consulares en Venezuela http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5guYU-_1X44hFA-WnFeB-51FseQCw?docId=2323346 22 May 2014 On 27 May, the Venezuelan consulate in Panama was reopened and the process of issuing passports was restarted. President-elect Varela declared on 5 June that once he took office on 1 July, diplomatic and commercial relations with Venezuela would be reestablished, following an agreement reached by a delegation headed by Vice Foreign Minister-designate Luis Miguel Hincapié, who also extended an invitation to Nicolás Maduro for the presidential inauguration.5 June 2014 Varela ratifica restablecimiento relaciones de Panamá con Venezuela http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&idioma=1&id=2759201&Itemid=1 6 June 2014 The crisis formally ended with the presidential inauguration of Juan Carlos Varela on 1 July, with the presence of a Venezuelan delegation headed by Vice President Jorge Arreaza, who publicly announced on behalf of Nicolás Maduro the restoration of diplomatic and commercial relations with Panama. International reactions International Organisations link=|20x20px Parlatino: The Latin American Parliament declared on 12 March 2014 that it would offer to mediate to re-establish diplomatic relations between Panama and Venezuela, and that according to the president of Parlatino, Venezuela had accepted this gesture.12 March 2014 Parlatino ofrece su mediación para superar la ruptura de Venezuela con Panamá http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5iekdOtcCWTonPh00AkWTC5gHjjWA?docId=2263567 14 March 2014 Europa Press National governments Bolivia: President Evo Morales supported the Venezuelan decision to break relations with Panama, justifying that both Panama and the United States were committing foreign interference in Venezuela and financing small groups.6 March 2014 Cuba y Bolivia apoyan a Maduro en ruptura de relaciones con Panamá http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2014/03/06/cuba-y-bolivia-apoyan-a-maduro-en-ruptura-de-relaciones-con-panama/ 20 March 2014 CNN en Español Costa Rica: Out of "solidarity" with the Panamanian government, Costa Rica assumed responsibility for the consular procedures of Panamanians in Venezuela during the rupture of relations.6 March 2014 Costa Rica a cargo de consulado panameño en Venezuela http://www.tvn-2.com/noticias/noticias_detalle.asp?id=133078 20 March 2014 TVN Noticias 20 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140320095533/http://www.tvn-2.com/noticias/noticias_detalle.asp?id=133078 dead The acting foreign minister, Gioconda Ubeda, declared that Costa Rica is the custodian of Panama's consular archives and properties in Venezuela.10 March 2014 Costa Rica custodiará archivos y edificio consular de Panamá en Venezuela http://www.teletica.com/Noticias/45886-Costa-Rica-custodiara-archivos-y-edificio-consular-de-Panama-en-Venezuela.note.aspx 20 March 2014 Teletica Cuba: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his full support for the Venezuelan government in the dispute. Guatemala: President Otto Pérez Molina regretted the breakdown of relations and urged both countries to prioritize dialogue, seek agreements and resume relations.7 March 2014 Guatemala lamenta ruptura de relaciones entre Panamá y Venezuela http://www.entornointeligente.com/articulo/2164683/VENEZUELA-Guatemala-lamenta-ruptura-de-relaciones-entre-Panama-y-Venezuela- 20 March 2014 Entorno Inteligente References 2 External links Venezuela romperá relaciones bilaterales con Panamá Panamá y Venezuela restablecen relaciones diplomáticas See also 2018 Panama–Venezuela diplomatic crisis Category:Crisis in Venezuela Category:2014 Venezuelan protests Category:2014 in international relations Category:Panama–Venezuela relations Category:2014 in Venezuela Category:2014 in Panama Category:Diplomatic crises of the 2010s Category:Nicolás Maduro controversies