#Guatemala #Edmundo González #Dionisio Gutiérrez #Venezuela #Guatemala City

Diplomatic Meeting in Guatemala: Gutiérrez and González Urrutia

On January 18, 2025, Guatemala played host to an important diplomatic event when Dionisio Gutiérrez, the President of the Liberty and Development Foundation, welcomed the legitimate President of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia. This meeting underscores the growing collaboration among Latin American leaders dedicated to democracy and the discussion of pressing political matters.

The meeting took place at Gutiérrez's residence in Guatemala City and included a notable delegation from Venezuela, consisting of influential figures such as Antonio Ledezma, the former Mayor of Caracas, and diplomat Isadora Zubillaga. Their attendance highlighted the significance of the occasion and added weight to the discussions that followed. Also present were U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala, Tobin Bradley, and Deputy Chief of Mission, Patrick Ventrell. This high-profile gathering attracted leaders from various sectors of Guatemalan society, including the press, civil society, and think tanks, all united by a collective focus on political reforms and democratic integrity in the region.

Dionisio Gutiérrez opened the discussions by emphasizing Venezuela's democratic process.

"Venezuela has an elected president who won by an overwhelming and indisputable margin and should have assumed office on January 10. We are facing a temporary setback that will soon be rectified."

His remarks reflect a robust conviction in the power of democracy and the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, demonstrating a clear stand against authoritarianism.

President González Urrutia reciprocated this warm welcome, thanking Gutiérrez for his unwavering support.

"Thank you for this warm welcome and your unwavering support for Venezuela's cause. It is deeply moving and reaffirms what we have been stating in previous events: we are not alone,"

he stated, signaling the importance of international solidarity in times of political turmoil. His message resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the notion that the fight for democracy is a collective effort across borders.

Antonio Ledezma, another significant attendee, contributed to the dialogue by addressing issues surrounding electoral transparency in Venezuela. He stated,

"The ballots that Maduro hides, to not show the true results of the elections, are the death sentence of the dictatorship."

This strong statement serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the Venezuelan electorate and underscores the need for the international community to take decisive action against oppressive regimes.

In conclusion, Gutiérrez reaffirmed the critical role of the international community in supporting democratic ideals around the globe, particularly in Venezuela. His assertion reflects a growing consensus among many leaders in Latin America that the restoration of democracy is essential not just for Venezuela, but for the stability and prosperity of the region as a whole.

This meeting embodies the spirit of cooperation necessary in the face of adversity, paving the way for ongoing discussions and actions to promote democratic values in Venezuela.

In times when the sovereignty of nations confronts external pressures and internal dissent, dialogues like these are crucial for fostering a united front in the commitment to democracy across Latin America.