Iran is demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused by the United States of drug-trafficking, while Tehran emphasizes its ongoing partnership with Caracas.
On Monday, Iran called for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained by the United States and is awaiting trial in New York for drug trafficking. At the same time, Tehran emphasized that its relations with Caracas remain unchanged. TASR took over the report from the AFP agency.
“The country’s president and his wife have been kidnapped. It’s not something they should be proud of, it’s an illegal act,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakaji said at a press conference. “As the Venezuelan people have emphasized, their president must be released,” he added.
The close connection between Iran and Venezuela
Iran and Venezuela have been close allies for a long time, which was also confirmed by Bakají on Monday. “Our relations with all countries, including Venezuela, are based on mutual respect and will remain so… We are in contact with the Venezuelan authorities,” the Iranian spokesman confirmed.
During the press conference, Bakají also commented on the statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported the protests in Iran. The spokesman accused Israel of trying to undermine Iranian national unity.
“The Zionist regime is determined to use even the slightest opportunity to sow discord and undermine our national unity, and we must remain vigilant,” Bakayí said.
The demonstrations began in Tehran initially as protests against economic problems and soaring inflation, but quickly spread to other cities in the Islamic Republic. They have claimed more than ten victims since Wednesday.
