Colombian Congressman Gabriel Becerra described the decision as a “gesture of ideological and political subservience” that disregards decades of brotherhood between the two nations and Cuba’s historical role in Colombia’s peace processes.
He emphasized that it does not represent the Colombian people nor those who “respect the dignity” of the Cuban people. Becerra also criticized the fact that, while the world watches the crisis in Gaza, De la Espriella is opening a new front of confrontation with Cuba, reminding everyone that “governments come and go, but people remain.”
Meanwhile, former FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño called for reflection and stressed that Cuba is a friendly country, committed to Colombia’s peace process and a “moral beacon for humanity,” to which gratitude is owed.
De la Espriella also announced the closure of 14 embassies and 15 consulates in countries such as Algeria, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Hungary, Senegal, and South Africa, to “reorganize” diplomatic representation through concurrent accreditation arrangements.
The president-elect clarified that these measures do not imply a break in relations with these countries, except for Cuba and Nicaragua, which he described as “tyrannies.”
Meanwhile, he announced that he will reopen the Colombian Embassy in Israel and open a diplomatic mission in Nigeria as part of his reorganization strategy in Africa.
He also announced the consolidation of diplomatic missions that he considers duplicated, such as the embassies in France and UNESCO in Paris, and those in Italy and FAO in Rome.
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE
Source: teleSUR English
