The backstage of Gallo's release: a stealth move by Venezuela and the AFA that left the government offside
The article discusses the unexpected role of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in facilitating the release of Gendarmerie officer Nahuel Gallo from Venezuela, which took the Argentine government by surprise.
The article reveals the covert operation that led to the return of Gendarmerie officer Nahuel Gallo from Venezuela, orchestrated by key figures such as AFA President Claudio Chiqui Tapia and Venezuelan officials, which caught the Argentine government off guard. The government's notification came just before Javier Milei's presentation to the Legislative Assembly, creating a sense of political embarrassment, as the diplomatic efforts from the past 448 days had borne no fruit.
The surprising involvement of the AFA in the negotiations for Gallo's release significantly overshadowed the administration's previous diplomatic efforts. Despite the Milei government expressing gratitude to the efforts made by Italy, the U.S., and various NGOs, the absence of acknowledgment of AFA's role is indicative of the political dynamics at play. It highlights how non-governmental entities can sometimes exert influence in international relations, often where formal diplomacy has failed.
Additionally, the article implies that this event may have ramifications for the Milei government's approach to international diplomacy and relations with Venezuela. The fact that prominent figures in both the Venezuelan government and the AFA were able to achieve what the Argentine government could not, raises questions about governance and the utilization of soft power in foreign policy, potentially leading to future adjustments in how Argentina navigates its diplomatic strategies.