Panamanians call for resignation of their ambassador to the OAS

Panamanian political sectors condemned the statements made by Panamanian Ambassador Guillermo Cochez at a meeting held at the Organization of American States (OAS). They claimed that Cochez should present his resignation for having criticized Venezuela at the meeting without any authorization whatsoever. 

During the meeting at the OAS, Cochez remarked that OAS' Secretary General hastily endorsed the situation facing Venezuela, EFE reported.  

In no time, the Panamanian Government condemned the statements issued by Cochez, who additionally requested the OAS not to ignore the "potential violation" of the Venezuelan Constitution amid the political situation of the country. 

Former Panamanian Foreign Minister Jorge Eduardo Ritter said on Thursday that Cochez had acted as if he were a representative of the Venezuelan opposition. Ritter also praised the prompt action of Panamanian Foreign Minister Rómulo Roux in confirming the stance of Panama with respect to the Venezuelan situation.

The former minister also called for the resignation of Cochez "on the basis of dignity and, most of all, ethical sense."

Translated by Jhean Cabrera