Venezuela Calls on Seven Latin American Nations to Withdraw Diplomats
On Monday, Venezuela urged the governments of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay to withdraw their diplomatic staff accredited in Caracas. This unexpected move escalates diplomatic tensions in the region following the recent presidential elections.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry released an official statement announcing the measure, which also includes the withdrawal of Venezuelan diplomatic personnel from those seven nations. The statement accuses these countries of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs, particularly concerning the presidential elections held on Sunday.
President Nicolás Maduro was re-elected for a third six-year term in the contested elections, a result that has been met with skepticism and criticism by several international observers and governments. The seven countries in question have voiced concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral process.
“These governments are subordinated to Washington and committed to ideological postulates of international fascism,” the Venezuelan statement declared, highlighting the strained relations and accusations of external influence.
The National Electoral Council of Venezuela officially declared Maduro the winner on Monday, solidifying his position amidst growing internal and external pressures. The call for diplomatic withdrawal marks a significant downturn in regional relations and raises questions about future diplomatic and economic interactions.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, as this regional rift could have broader implications for trade, migration, and political alliances in Latin America and beyond.
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Venezuela asks 7 LatAm countries to withdraw diplomatic staff
cgtn.com
