Venezuela names Samuel Moncada as new ambassador to France

Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's former representative to the United Nations, has been appointed as the new ambassador to France, a move that also includes accreditation for Andorra and Monaco. The Venezuelan National Assembly announced the designation, with ruling party legislator Azucena Jaspe stating it signifies a "reconstitution of Venezuela's international recognition in Europe." She described the appointment as a step towards mutual respect and high-level diplomacy, asserting that the "matrix of isolation is crumbling."

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the appointment reconstitutes the recognition international of Venezuela in Europe, the matrix of isolation is crumbling, we are taking steps to an era of mutual respect and high-level diplomacy.

Jaspe lauded Moncada as a "rigorous, lucid, and firm academic." During his tenure as ambassador to the UN from 2017 to 2026, he reportedly denounced the "criminal blockade, disinformation campaign, and threats" against Venezuela. His new role in France will focus on restoring cooperation agreements with European nations, grounded in the principle of sovereign equality.

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rigorous, lucid, and firm academic

The appointment occurs amidst a diplomatic dispute between France and Venezuela concerning the recent release of Julien Février, a French citizen held for 15 months in Venezuela on political charges. Février's release followed a series of political prisoner releases in Venezuela, reportedly influenced by the United States after Nicolás Maduro's capture in Caracas.

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under the principle of legal equality and of the States