MONTEVIDEO - Uruguay's president-elect Yamandu Orsi reiterated his controversial position on Venezuela during a press conference on Wednesday, saying his country must respect diplomatic relations in place and breaking precedent for recent leaders of the small South American nation.

Orsi said he would decide "in the moment" whether to invite President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela to his inauguration who has become increasingly insolated in the region, following a contested July election.

Outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou has repeatedly criticized the authoritarian regime in Venezuela, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Uruguay maintains diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

  - Reuters