Lubetkin addresses Rubio remarks, 2030 World Cup bid, and Italy travel

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin has clarified his ministry's stance on recent diplomatic and political issues, including controversial remarks by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and the nation's bid to host more matches for the 2030 World Cup.

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the matter is closed

Lubetkin addressed Rubio's comments on the Tupamaros, a historical leftist guerrilla group, stating that the Uruguayan foreign ministry did "what it had to do." He explained that the invitation to the meeting on combating terrorism in Washington was unclear, leading to a decision to send a lower-level diplomat to "take note." However, after Rubio's remarks, the Uruguayan government responded, as the Tupamaros are linked to the governing Frente Amplio coalition.

"The matter is closed," Lubetkin asserted, adding that the U.S. would not be asked for an apology and that the incident would not harm bilateral relations, citing recent important meetings. He also touched upon his trips to Italy, which had drawn scrutiny from opposition legislators, assuring that his ministry followed standard diplomatic procedures.

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what it does is what Uruguayan diplomacy always does, which is to send someone from the second echelon, a diplomat.

Regarding the 2030 World Cup, Lubetkin recalled discussions about Uruguay potentially hosting the entire group stage, not just the opening match. He noted that the idea of hosting a "series concept" rather than a single match was suggested by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, as hosting only the debut game presents significant economic challenges.

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I am at the antipodes of what Rubio proposed, and I do not admit that any force of this government is treated in that way.