Petro rules out extraditing Venezuelan opponents as requested by Chavismo

MADRID, 23 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has suggested this Tuesday that his government will not endorse the extradition of Venezuelan opponents, advocating "the right to asylum" as a direct response to a request from Chavismo.

The 'number two' of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Diosdado Cabello, expressed his hope on Monday that the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries would also lead to the extradition of "assassins" and "thieves" .

Petro has shared news about these statements on his social networks to add: "Colombia guarantees the right to asylum and refuge." Neither Cabello nor the new Colombian president have clarified who they would be claiming or protecting, respectively.

Currently, some two million Venezuelans live in Colombia, the main destination country for migrants and refugees who have escaped the political and social crisis in which Venezuela has been plunged in recent years. The UN estimates the total migratory exodus at around six million.

The coming to power of Petro, the first left-wing president in the history of Colombia, has so far translated into the cross-appointment of ambassadors with Venezuela and an apparent willingness to normalize bilateral relations.