Venezuela one of first countries to call Varela

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela was one of the first Latin American leaders to call and congratulate Panama’s president elect, Juan Carlos Varela on Sunday evening, April 4.

Maduro had taken strong exception to Martinelli’s failed moves to have the OAS interfere in its domestic affairs, leading to the shutdown of trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Varela said later that the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian nation will be "a priority for July 1,” says La Prensa.
He said that includes maintain Panama's position to make a call for dialogue and social peace and respect for human rights in Venezuela.
News agency Efe reported that the secretary general of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, also congratulated Varela.
" Insulza Varela wished luck for the tasks that await you at your next administration," and mentioned especially " the exemplary environment surrounding Election Day ," said Efe.

El Salvador was one of the early callers, reinforcing a recent appeal to Panama to not grant political asylum to former President Francisco Flores, accused of appropriating $15.3 million of donations from Taiwan.