Ambassadors have limited functions because of credentials

Colombian Ambassador to Venezuela Carlos Cure told Colombian radio station WRadio that he is not the only one who has failed to submit his credentials to the Venezuelan Executive Office. A many as 20 ambassadors are in the same situation.

In the opinion of ex Foreign Vice-Minister Adolfo Taylhardat, "insofar as no credentials are submitted, ambassadors may not have an official status."

Ambassadors must submit their credentials to the President of the Republic. In advance, a copy of same should be delivered to the Foreign Minister of the recipient country, as Cure did.

"Required copies are submitted only to facilitate some steps. With these, informal interviews may be held with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but official steps may not be taken," the retired diplomat explained.

In this case, he said, an ambassador "has his hands tied in many aspects."

Cure was sworn in by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on August 5, 2011; he has been in Venezuela for eight months without being able to submit his credentials to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, because of, to his mind, the health condition of the Head of State.