EspañolVenezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elías Jaua today asserted that the repayment of the country’s pending debt with Panama is suspended, following the rupture of diplomatic relations.

“The revision of the debt is suspended, until Panama has a serious government that respects the relations that we must have based on mutual respect,” the Venezuelan minister stated.

Maduro announced his decision to break bilateral relations yesterday, due to Panama’s recent request to discuss Venezuela’s crisis at the Organization of American States (OAS). This rupture includes the freezing of bilateral commercial relations and leaves suspended the discussion of the US$1.2 billion debt that Venezuelan businesses have with Panama’s Colon Free Zone.

According to Chancellor Jaua, during the handling of the debt, they found “all kinds of fraudulent actions, from both Panamanian businesses and Venezuelan” that created a space for “corruption” in the commercial relation between both countries. Also, Jaua defended Maduro’s decision and explained that Venezuela’s government has the duty to react against Panama’s attempts to diffuse the idea that Venezuela “has lost its democratic institutions.”

Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s diplomatic mission in Caracas will assist Panama’s consular affairs in the country.

Source: La Prensa.