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Venezuela is gripped by domestic and international crises tonight.  On the International front, the United States has recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s interim president.  And, domestically, the country is experiencing hyper-inflation and economic collapse.  

And the OAS is caught in the middle of all this.  As the Western Hemisphere’s chief regional organization, the OAS is caught between pushing for regime change, while also taking a more conservative stance of advocating for stability and citizen security.  

As a declared ally of Venezuela, Belize has been placed in a tough position.  Two weeks ago when the OAS voted to “not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro’s new termâ€￾ as president, Belize was one of 8 countries which abstained.   

And, today in Washington - Belize again walked the diplomatic tightrope when the Permanent Council of the OAS held a special meeting to consider “recent developments in Venezuela.â€￾

In his presentation, Belize’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Daniel Gutierrez said the OAS must not overstep its authority IN declaring if a government is legitimate:

H.E Daniel Gutierrez - Belize's Permanent Representative, OAS
"Belize also recognizes that there is a role for the OAS in this crisis. The OAS cannot and should not be silent when events in a member state are so transformative that those new conditions imperil the basics of dignified life. Mr. Chairman, as there is a role, so too are they parameters for that role. Engagement of the OAS must be instructed by best practices, the Inter American Democratic Charter and international law. Colleagues, if we truly believe in dialogue, if we truly believe in diplomacy, if we truly want to talk to all parties, then let us be guarded with where we steer this organization."

You can find a link to see the entire session at the OAS website.