Representative Jose Jaime Uscategui returns to Colombia after being denied entry into Venezuela

(CNN Spanish) — Jose Jaime Uscategui confirmed his return to Colombia this Saturday through his official X account, formerly Twitter, after Venezuela denied him entry into the country. He is expected to address the press upon his arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.

“Uscátegui shared a video of his return to Colombia, with this message: “Thank you to all the members of Congress, my caucus members, the press, my family members and friends who were attentive to my return to my country. “Tomorrow we march with greater strength and determination!”

On Friday, the Venezuelan government blocked a Colombian opposition representative from entering the country, where he tried to participate as an observer in talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), the Colombian Foreign Ministry said. This afternoon and assembly member.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Uscátegui arrived in Caracas at 3:00 p.m. (local time) and immigration officials did not approve his entry into Venezuelan territory.

The agency added that it had given Uzcategui diplomatic attention since learning of the events, and that responsible Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo had “expressed concern” to his Venezuelan counterpart, Juan Gil.

CNN reached out to Venezuela's foreign ministry to find out the reasons why Uscátegui was denied entry, but did not receive a response.

A delegation from the opposition Democratic Center Party issued a statement complaining about the actions of the Venezuelan authorities.

The group said the legislator traveled to Caracas as an observer with the approval of the House of Representatives and assured him that he had received no support from the Colombian government.

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied any negligence. According to their statement, the ambassador and consul in Caracas, Milton Rengifo and Fulvia Benavides, respectively, “are stepping up their diplomatic efforts” to help Uscategui.