Blinken, a congressman, shares his concern about Russian influence in the region and in Colombia – the United States and Canada – internationally

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken On Wednesday, he shared the concerns raised by a member of the US Congress about Russia’s unnecessary influence in the region And maybe in Colombia.

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Blinken’s comments came during a hearing before the House Foreign Relations Committee, where the issue of Venezuela and Moscow was discussed.

According to New Jersey Congressman Albio Ceres, Russia is increasingly present in the neighboring country In his view, he is using it to destabilize other countries in the region, including Colombia.

“What worries me with Venezuela is that the Russians seem to be turning more and more towards Venezuela. And I think, I’m sure, they want to destabilize the region. I spoke with the Colombian ambassador (to the United States, Francisco Santos) and he told me that in 2019 6000 Russians passed through Colombia and they expelled 3 Russians (espionage of course). “

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For Russians, Colombia is not a resort destination. So my concern is that they are using Venezuela to destabilize Colombia, and participate in other elections in South America, and I hope the administration will focus on Russia’s efforts to destabilize our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, “the congressman added.

The foreign minister replied that he “shared this concern,” but without going into further details. “I share this concern. We’ve seen it in Venezuela and I think there is a resurgence The Russian activity in Cuba in recent years, and we are very keen on that. “

However, Blinken did not refer directly to Colombia and its concern – at least the thing he expressed in his words – Focus on Russia’s presence in Venezuela and Cuba.

Sergio Gomez Massire
EL TIEMPO reporter
Washington
On Twitter: @ sergom68

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