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Peru FA Min: Withdrawal of Maduro's invitation based on int'l law

LIMA,PERÚ.ENERO 12. Presentación oficial de la canciller Cayetana Aljovín Gazzani, en Palacio de Torre Tagle. Foto: ANDINA/Jhony Laurente

LIMA,PERÚ.ENERO 12. Presentación oficial de la canciller Cayetana Aljovín Gazzani, en Palacio de Torre Tagle. Foto: ANDINA/Jhony Laurente

13:12 | Lima, Feb. 19.

The decision to uninvite Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to the upcoming Summit of the Americas is based on international law, Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Cayetana Aljovin affirmed.
 
According to the official, Peru —as the host country of this continental meeting— is empowered to invite and withdraw invitations to Heads of State, if they disrupt constitutional order, as established in the Declaration of Quebec City.

Moreover, she noted this power is recognized by the Lima Group.

"[...] We must get used to making firm decisions based on international law. Let's respect the declarations signed by countries," she told Cuarto Poder news program on Sunday night.

Regarding the response sent by her Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza —who stated Maduro is not precluded from attending the Summit— Aljovin reiterated the withdrawal of the invitation leaves him out of the meeting.

"There is a solid determination since constitutional order has been altered," she underlined.

Furthermore, Aljovin noted elections convened by the Venezuelan Government do not ensure the free participation of the opposition.

The minister refrained from specifying Peru's attitude in case Maduro insists on traveling to Lima to attend the aforementioned event.

"It is not for me to speculate. Let's wait until April," she concluded.

As is known, the 8th edition of the Summit of the Americas will take place in Lima on April 13-14.

(END) JAA/MVB

Published: 2/19/2018