By Senhan Bolelli
MADRID (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez encouraged a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela on Friday, following calls with senior figures from the government and opposition.
In a statement posted on the US social media platform X, he said he spoke with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, urging a negotiated transition led by Venezuelans.
“Spain supports a peaceful, negotiated and democratic transition in Venezuela,” he said, adding that Madrid wants to help the country move into a new phase and reduce political divisions.
He said he had shared Spain’s position with several Latin American leaders in recent days, including the presidents of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay, stressing that the region could count on Spain’s support.
The comments came as five Spanish nationals released from detention in Venezuela arrived Friday in Madrid.
Those released were identified as Jose Maria Basoa, Andres Martinez Adasme, Miguel Moreno Dapena, Ernesto Gorbe Cardona and Rocio San Miguel, who holds dual nationality.
Some had been accused by Venezuela of working for Spain’s National Intelligence Centre.
They were met at the airport by relatives, friends and journalists.
The group told reporters that they were relieved to be free but demanded the release of political prisoners who remain in Venezuelan custody.