The Dominican Republic is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela and has reaffirmed its willingness to assist in efforts to restore democracy in the country, President Luis Abinader said.
In a statement, Abinader said the Dominican Republic has never recognised the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s proclamation as president following Venezuela’s July 2014 elections. He noted that the Dominican government promoted the Santo Domingo Declaration in August of that year, which called for respect for the will expressed at the ballot box.
The president said the solidarity between the Dominican and Venezuelan peoples is historic and remains strong, adding that the Dominican Republic is prepared to collaborate in the restoration of democracy, peace, and national harmony in Venezuela.
Abinader said the Dominican Republic “will always stand on the side of democracy, wherever, whenever, and before whomever.”
Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were detained by an elite US Army unit on January 3 during a military operation at their residence in Caracas. The couple were transported to New York, where they face drug trafficking charges.
The United States has accused Maduro of leading an international drug cartel, allegations he has denied.
Maduro and Flores entered not guilty pleas when they appeared in court on January 5. CNN reported that Maduro told the judge he was “still the president of Venezuela”, and that lawyers for the couple were not seeking bail at this time.
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