No ‘keys to the city’ for Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Quito mayor says

Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas said Thursday that there would be no special honors awarded Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro when he visits the city next week. Maduro will be in town for the inauguration of Lenin Moreno.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

“We plan no municipal declaration of distinction or other honors awarded to Mr. Maduro; no keys to the city, for example,” Rhodes told reporters. Traditionally, the city of Quito honors visiting presidents and other high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

Rodas said the decision was taken because of the political, economic and social crisis in Venezuela and Maduro’s response to it. “All Latin Americans must unite in demanding that the situation in Venezuela return to one of peace and democracy,” he said.

The issue of giving special recognition to Maduro was on the Quito municipal council agenda but members decided not to discuss it.