President Santos remains neutral in Venezuelan presidential election

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos met Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski on Wednesday in Nariño presidential palace, in Bogotá, where he hoped for a massive turnout of voters in the president election to be held next October 7 in Venezuela.   

Unofficial sources informed that the meeting lasted almost 30 minutes, even though it was scheduled to take 15 minutes only.

Soon after the meeting, Colombian authorities delivered the following communiqué:

"Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos received in his office Mr. Henrique Capriles, presidential candidate of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

At the meeting, President Santos reaffirmed Colombia's neutrality with respect to the electoral process taking place in the neighboring country. He also addressed the need to continue harmonious efforts to foster Colombia-Venezuela relations. President Juan Manuel Santos hoped for a massive and peaceful participation of the Venezuelan people in the October 7 election.     

The Head of State outlined the significant results achieved through the cooperation agreement entered into with the neighboring country, which have enabled a number of captures such as that of (Colombian drug lord) "Crazy Barrera," which occurred some hours ago (on Tuesday).   

President Santos explained the progress achieved so far in the talks intended to put and end to the Colombian armed conflict, and particularly emphasized the permanent support of the Venezuelan Government and its role as a facilitator.

The President underscored how important it is for the two countries to keep bilateral relations above any electoral event."

Translated by Jhean Cabrera