Argentine President Javier Milei has demanded the release of Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine soldier arrested in Venezuela while visiting family. Gallo, detained on December 8, has been a focal point of tension between the two countries. Milei criticized Maduro’s regime, emphasizing diplomatic efforts to secure Gallo’s return amid strained relations following Venezuela’s disputed election.
In a recent statement, President Javier Milei of Argentina has called for the immediate release of Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine soldier detained in Venezuela. Gallo was arrested on December 8 after crossing into Venezuela from Colombia to visit his family. Milei denounced the actions of Venezuelan authorities, labeling President Nicolás Maduro a “criminal dictator” and promising to pursue all diplomatic avenues to secure Gallo’s return.
Gallo, an officer in the Argentine Gendarmeria, was apprehended in the western state of Táchira. Following his arrest, Milei’s administration reiterated calls for his release, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement despite recent tensions between the two nations. Although diplomatic relations have not been severed, Argentina expelled Venezuelan diplomats last August after rejecting the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election, which many critics allege was fraudulent.
This incident further exacerbates the already strained relations between Argentina and Venezuela, particularly since Milei has been vocal in his criticism of Maduro’s administration. Venezuelan authorities, through Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, have implied that Gallo’s mission in Venezuela may not have been straightforward, hinting at ulterior motives surrounding the soldier’s visit.
Milei asserted, “We demand his immediate release and we’ll exhaust all diplomatic paths to return him safely to Argentina.” This strong statement reflects the urgency with which the Argentine government is addressing the issue amid rising tensions.
Argentina and Venezuela share a complex and historically tumultuous relationship, often influenced by ideological divides between their leaders. President Javier Milei, a libertarian, has been particularly critical of Maduro, whom he accuses of authoritarianism. The arrest of Nahuel Gallo is set against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic strain, especially following the controversial July presidential election in Venezuela, which Milei’s government vehemently opposed claiming it to be fraudulent. With Venezuela’s government often scrutinized for its human rights record, the detention of an Argentine soldier could have diplomatic implications, raising concerns over the safety of citizens traveling abroad.
In summary, the demand from President Javier Milei for the immediate release of Argentine soldier Nahuel Gallo underscores the escalating tensions between Argentina and Venezuela. The situation reflects both nations’ complex diplomatic history and the ideological struggles of their leaders. As Milei promises to explore all diplomatic options to secure Gallo’s release, this incident may further complicate relations amidst ongoing accusations of electoral fraud and authoritarianism in Venezuela.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
