Spain's Foreign Minister rejects concessions to Mexico, defends Spanish institutions amid diplomatic tensions

Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, rejects concessions to Mexico after King Felipe VI was excluded from the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum. Albares emphasizes Spain's commitment to defending its institutions, starting with the head of state, and addresses other pressing global issues.

Diplomatic discussions unfold as global leaders navigate complex international tensions and challenges.

Albares stands firm on defending Spain's institutions, addresses tensions in Mexico, Venezuela, and the Middle East during UN talks.

Spain, José Manuel Albares, Mexico, diplomacy, UN, Middle East

Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, firmly ruled out any concessions to Mexico following the absence of King Felipe VI from the list of invited guests at the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum. He vowed that the Spanish government would "always" defend its institutions, "starting with the head of state."

During a press conference in New York, Albares referred to the statement released by his Ministry on Tuesday, criticizing the perceived snub of the King. He confirmed that a formal verbal note of protest was also delivered to the Mexican ambassador in Madrid, Quirino Ornaz, on the same day. In line with the high-level week at the United Nations, Albares conveyed the same concerns to his Mexican counterpart, Alicia Bárcena.

"Spain undoubtedly wishes to maintain the best possible relations with a brotherly nation like Mexico. However, we will not accept representation of any level other than that of the head of state," Albares asserted. This statement came shortly after Bárcena suggested in another appearance in New York the possibility of holding a "meeting of reconciliation."

While Albares did not directly respond to this proposal, he made his position clear: "With Mexico and any other country in the world, as long as I am the Foreign Minister, Spain's foreign policy will always, always defend our institutions, starting with the highest one, the head of state."

Another issue overshadowing recent meetings was the crisis in Venezuela, which, according to Albares, remains the "main focus of concern" throughout Latin America. The Spanish foreign minister called for dialogue to achieve a peaceful "solution among Venezuelans, in Venezuela." Despite this, the government of Nicolás Maduro has maintained its stance since the July 28 elections.

Albares acknowledged that the Chavist government is unlikely to publish the official results of these elections. He emphasized Spain's initiative to keep Venezuela under debate within the European Union and highlighted Spain's participation in forums like the one led by the United States on Thursday, which issued a statement recognizing Edmundo González as the winner of the elections.

According to Albares, "no one in the forum proposed recognizing Edmundo González as the elected president," adding that "this is not mentioned in the statement either." However, he expressed hope that "the democratically expressed will of Venezuelans" would ultimately prevail.

Regarding the situation of two Spanish nationals detained in Venezuela for their alleged involvement in a plot against Maduro's government, Albares reiterated that he had directly requested information from the Venezuelan Vice Minister, Rander Peña, earlier this week. Spain seeks to know "all the details," including "where they are" and "what charges they face." The government is also pursuing "direct contact" under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

"Let there be no doubt. The Ministry will spare no effort until these two compatriots, unjustly detained in Venezuela, are where they have always belonged—in freedom, with their families, back in Spain," he added.

Tensions in the Middle East

Albares also expressed his concern over the situation in the Middle East, which he described as "extremely grave." He emphasized, "War does not have to be the only means of interaction in the Middle East." Over the past few days, he has met with various regional counterparts, including the Iranian Foreign Minister, urging them to exercise "all possible restraint and influence" to help de-escalate conflicts, such as the one in Lebanon.

"We are talking about bombings on a sovereign state," he lamented, referring to the series of attacks launched by Israeli forces on Lebanese territory in recent days, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Albares called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, with the ultimate goal of advancing toward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.