Chilean President Boric Open to Dialogue with Venezuela's Maduro on Organized Crime

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has expressed his willingness to engage in direct dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to address the issue of transnational organized crime, despite ongoing tensions between the two countries. The offer comes in response to Maduro's proposal for cooperation in combating criminal groups, particularly the Tren de Aragua organization, which has been accused of numerous crimes in Chile and other countries in the region.

The diplomatic tensions between Chile and Venezuela escalated following the murder of former Venezuelan lieutenant Ronald Ojeda in Chile, which Chilean authorities believe was orchestrated from Venezuela by the Tren de Aragua. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil had previously denied the existence of this criminal organization, leading Chile to call its ambassador in Caracas for consultations in protest of Gil's statements.

Despite some political sectors in Chile calling for a break in diplomatic relations with Venezuela, Boric has ruled out this possibility for now. The Chilean president stated that denying a tangible reality is not an option and described Gil's words as irresponsible. However, he also acknowledged the importance of Maduro's recognition of the existence and danger posed by the Tren de Aragua.

Why this matters: The willingness of the Chilean and Venezuelan leaders to engage in dialogue on combating transnational crime, despite their political differences, could lead to increased cooperation and more effective measures against criminal organizations operating across borders. This development also highlights the complex diplomatic terrain in Latin America, where ideological divisions often intersect with pressing security concerns.

Boric emphasized that he is open to dialogue to combat international and transnational crime, which he sees as a problem affecting the entire Latin American region. "I find President Maduro's words important in recognizing the existence and danger of the Tren de Aragua criminal group," Boric said. He also criticized Maduro's questioning of the work of former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, stating that differences should be resolved within Chile, not through foreign leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Boric offers direct dialogue with Maduro to address transnational crime.
• Tensions escalated after murder of Venezuelan lieutenant in Chile, linked to Tren de Aragua.
• Boric rules out breaking diplomatic ties, acknowledges Maduro's recognition of Tren de Aragua.
• Dialogue could lead to increased cooperation against cross-border criminal groups.
• Boric criticizes Maduro's questioning of former Chilean president's work.