Venezuela expels Brazil and Canada diplomats
Caracas 24 Dec (ANA) - Venezuela has expelled the Brazilian ambassador to Caracas, Ruy Pereira, and Canadian charge d'affaires Craib Kowalik. The move was announced by the head of Venezuela's powerful Constituent Assembly, Delcy Rodriguez. Ms Rodriguez accused Brazil of violating the rule of law and Canada of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. Both countries have strongly criticised the move. The decision to expel Ambassador Pereira may have been triggered by Brazil's recent complaint that President Nicolás Maduro was "constantly harassing the opposition". Canada imposed sanctions on senior Venezuelan officials a few months ago.
Venezuela's diplomatic relations with Brazil have deteriorated since Brazil's centre-right President, Michel Temer, replaced left-wing leader Dilma Rousseff. Her impeachment was described by Mr Maduro as a "right-wing coup". "Diplomatic relations with Brazil will not be restored until the government reinstates the constitutional order it has effectively broken," said Ms Rodriguez at a news conference on Saturday. The Brazilian government said the move showed once again the authoritarian nature of President Maduro's administration.
Ms Rodriguez accused Mr Kowalik of "permanent and insistent, rude and vulgar interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela". Relations with Canada have been difficult for months. Ottawa imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials earlier this year for alleged human rights violations and corruption.
Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in November that the sanctions were illegal and accused the Canadian government of "shameful and utter submission to Donald Trump's administration". Canada responded to the expulsion of its charge d'affaires by saying it would not be cowed into easing pressure on the Maduro government.(ANA)
FA/ANA/24 December 2017-----