Mexico & Venezuela Break Diplomatic Relations

Only about an hour ago the showdown between our President Vicente Fox and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez ended in the breaking off of diplomatic ties between Mexico and Venezuela. This culminates a large deterioration of the relationship between these two countries since Chavez called Fox a US "puppy" at the American Summit.

Both countries had since then been attempting to resolve the diplomatic climate through their chancellors. Mexico had already been succesful in repairing the damage caused between Argentina and themselves but Venezuela had proven a bit tougher. Yet, work was being done until Chavez decided to continue his assault on Fox in his radio programme. You can also read about this in English here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4437024.stm

In this programme, Chavez taunts Fox for not being able to continue to push the FTAA at the Summit. He also responds to Fox's comments about his person again; this time by threatening Fox and saying that Fox "should not mess with him because he might come out hurt".

These comments destroyed all the progress that had been done before to heal wounds and (though sluggish) created an uproar in Mexico. Mexico formally demanded Chavez apologize for his comments or if not Mexico would cut diplomatic relations with Venezuela. The ultimatum was given until midnight tonight.

Venezuela then responded with their official posture which included no regrets and no apologies for what Chavez said. Furthermore, they considered the ultimatum an agression from Mexico to Venezuela. So Venezuela pulled their ambassador from Mexico and attempted to blame Fox for causing this "mayhem". Mexico then also responded formally and called their ambassador from Venezuela and formalized the rupture in diplomatic relationships.

And so, once more Chavez causes instability in the region. His rhetoric has stopped being about Bolivarian unity and revolution and has turned to childish insults. He continues to spin facts into propaganda and to blame everybody else for his country's and the area's problems. After all, how can you create a strong and united Latin America if you shun countries like Panama, Colombia or Peru who want free trade or insult Mexico? Simon Bolivar would have never thought that would make a good plan for our unity.

Read what others have to say about this:
- Thomas believes it was Good for Mexico to recall its ambassador from Venezuela.
- Rol presents a wonderful cartoon about Chavez's rhetoric.
- Molly Morrison hopes the tension between Mexico and Venezuela won't go too far.
- Edgar wishes unity for Latin America and agrees that Chavez's foreign policy is not the best way to get it.

Tags: Current events, International, In the News, News and Politics, Mexico, Venezuela, Latin America