Fernández claims that the DR lost diplomatic prominence during Abinader's administration

Santo Domingo. – Former President Leonel Fernández lamented that the Dominican Republic has missed the opportunity to become a regional forum for conflict resolution, in reference to the current Venezuelan crisis and foreign military intervention. During a live broadcast, Fernández recalled that the country was a key stage for regional mediation in the past, as happened after the 2008 Rio Summit, when the diplomatic crisis between Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela was resolved.

"Instead of taking sides in regional controversies, the Dominican Republic has lost, during the current government's term, the opportunity to become a forum for conflict resolution, or the Capital of Peace in Latin America, as proclaimed at the end of the Rio Summit held in our country in 2008, when the diplomatic crisis between Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela was resolved," said Fernández.

You can also read: Leonel questions Maduro's victory; "It could not be proclaimed"

The former head of state reiterated that all controversies between states must be resolved in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of the Organization of American States (OAS), rejecting the use or threat of force against the sovereignty of any nation. Fernández cited pronouncements by Pope Leo XIV, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and several Latin American countries that have condemned the armed intervention and called for de-escalation and a peaceful solution.