Uruguay's second aid flight to Venezuela suspended over 'rule changes'

Uruguay's planned second humanitarian flight to Venezuela, intended to deliver aid following devastating earthquakes, has been postponed. Defense Minister Sandra Lazo announced the delay, citing "changes in the rules of the game" introduced by Venezuelan authorities as the reason for the setback.

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The rules of the game have changed, when the first flight left [we realized] that there were more things to offer, such as personnel, expertise in drinking water, electricity, and yet the Venezuelan authorities decided that was not it.

The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) confirmed the aircraft's departure was postponed for external reasons, with a new date and time to be rescheduled. Minister Lazo explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in dialogue with Venezuelan officials to facilitate the aid's delivery. She emphasized the importance of organizing the shipment to ensure it reaches its destination efficiently and transparently, driven by humanitarian concerns.

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There has been a change of rules linked to costs for those arriving at an airport with supplies.

Lazo elaborated that while Uruguay is eager to show solidarity, it must also exercise prudence, carefully assessing the needs and the conditions for meeting them. She noted that both a Hercules and another aircraft, ROU04, are prepared to transport approximately 250 tons of aid, with various branches of the armed forces cooperating in the collection effort.

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Sometimes it is time to take calm, and that decision is made by the Ministry of Defense, not by the Armed Forces.

The minister highlighted that the situation in Venezuela presents significant logistical challenges due to the catastrophic events. She revealed that "the rules have changed" concerning the costs associated with landing aircraft carrying supplies at Venezuelan airports. This shift necessitates a period of calm negotiation to establish new terms, particularly for the Hercules aircraft, before the flight can proceed.

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The Hercules is ready, it has no problem, but if the rules have changed, we have to sit down and negotiate.