Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez has reaffirmed that while the Dominican Republic has not formally severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela, relations remain “on pause” following the contentious July 2024 elections, as reported in Noticias SIN.
The diplomatic freeze, triggered by the expulsion of Dominican staff by Nicolás Maduro’s administration, has created a secondary crisis for citizens of both nations. Minister Alvarez noted that the absence of consular services has paralyzed document processing and halted regular commercial flights, leaving Dominican residents in Venezuela and Venezuelans seeking to travel to the Island in a state of legal and logistical limbo. The Spanish mission is channeling Dominican matters in Venezuela.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Alvarez reiterated that the Dominican Republic refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Venezuelan electoral process. The Minister highlighted two primary reasons for this stance. These are the lack of transparency in the failure of the government electoral authorities to publish official tally sheets (actas) despite repeated international requests and the absence of verification by independent international observers to endorse the results.
“Our position has been consistent and coherent,” Alvarez stated, pointing to the Dominican Republic’s advocacy within the OAS (Organization of American States) for a transparent resolution to the Venezuelan crisis.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that because the Dominican Republic does not recognize the legitimacy of the recent proclamation, it cannot recognize the authority of a sitting or acting president at this time.
However, he was careful to distinguish between a “pause” and a total rupture. By categorizing the relationship as paused, the Dominican government leaves the door open for future engagement. Alvarez affirmed that the country remains committed to dialogue and is willing to serve as a mediator or host for initiatives aimed at restoring a democratic path in Venezuela.
In its coverage of the press conference, Diario Libre highlighted that Alvarez has issued a stern call for “social peace at all costs” in Venezuela following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by the US forces. Alvarez emphasized that the Dominican government would maintain its policy of non-recognition toward the current administration in Caracas, including the swearing-in of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as provisional president.
In his official remarks, Minister Alvarez underscored that preventing a total breakdown of civil order is the international community’s most urgent priority. “What must be preserved at all costs is social peace,” Alvarez stated. “There is no alternative other than dialogue to resolve this situation.”
While the Dominican Republic remains a staunch supporter of a return to democratic norms, the Foreign Minister warned that the situation on the ground remains too volatile to discuss a concrete timeline for new elections. “It is too early to form a judgment on the best course of action,” he noted, citing the “uncertainty and complexity” of the post-arrest landscape.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated that a resolution to the Venezuelan crisis will require a broad consensus among nations across the Americas. The Dominican Republic has signaled its readiness to host or participate in any diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a “democratic, peaceful, and sustainable” solution for the Venezuelan people.
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Noticias SIN
Mirex
Diario Libre
8 January 2026