Ecuadorian president slams Venezuela counterpart over deportation issue

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa condemned on Sunday his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, for refusing to accept deported Venezuelan migrants, calling the move a "miserable" act that reflects authoritarian governance.

On X, Noboa accused Maduro of retaliating against the US decision to revoke Chevron’s operating license in Venezuela by blocking the return of deported Venezuelan nationals.

“Maduro has publicly said that flights to receive his deported migrants have been ‘affected.’ Behind closed doors, they have warned the United States that after the revocation of Chevron’s operating license, they would take this measure in retaliation,” he said.

Noboa criticized Venezuela’s stance, arguing that rejecting its own citizens demonstrates "a complete lack of empathy."

“This is how authoritarian and extremist regimes act, without caring about the fate of those fleeing the crisis they themselves caused,” he added.

- Escalating tensions between Ecuador, Venezuela

Noboa’s remarks come amid increasing tensions between Ecuador and Venezuela, as well as ongoing regional disputes over migration policies.

With economic instability and political repression in Venezuela driving millions of people to flee the country, Maduro’s refusal to accept deported Venezuelans could lead to further diplomatic clashes, particularly with the US and Latin American nations dealing with migrant influxes.

Meanwhile, the US decision to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela has further strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

The license, which had allowed the American energy giant to continue operations in Venezuela despite sanctions, was withdrawn amid concerns over Maduro’s lack of commitment to democratic reforms.

In response, Venezuela has accused the US of economic aggression and has taken steps that critics say worsen the humanitarian crisis by leaving Venezuelan deportees stranded in foreign countries.