BOGOTA - Colombian officials are seeking the extradition of a former senator who was arrested in Venezuela after escaping from prison four months ago. But the prospects of returning Aida Merlano to her jail cell in Colombia any time soon are slim, since Colombia doesn’t recognize President Nicolás Maduro, who controls Venezuela’s government. In a radio interview Colombian Foreign Minister Claudia Blum defended the yearlong effort to isolate Maduro despite such practical problems. “We understand there are diplomatic complications with regard to this case as we don’t have relations with the illegitimate government of Venezuela,“ Blum told Blu Radio. The cinematic escape was recorded by security cameras and led to the resignation of Colombia’s prisons director.

Source: thestar January 28, 2020 16:50 UTC