In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Venezuela has revoked Brazil’s authorization to represent Argentina’s interests in Caracas, citing evidence of ‘terrorist activities and assassination attempts’ against President Nicolás Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez being planned at the Argentine embassy. The decision was announced by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, who stated that the government has proof of these alleged plans.The situation has been exacerbated by reports of Venezuelan security forces surrounding the Argentine embassy, where six opposition leaders, including collaborators of María Corina Machado, have been taking refuge since March. These asylum seekers, who face charges of inciting violence to destabilize the government, reported that the embassy was being besieged by Venezuelan intelligence agents, with electricity cut off and access restricted.The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, has strongly rejected Venezuela’s decision, calling it ‘unilateral’ and warning against any attempt to intervene in the embassy, which would be considered illegal under international law. Brazil, despite expressing surprise at the decision, has committed to continue guarding the Argentine embassy facilities and defending Argentina’s interests in Venezuela, in accordance with the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.This diplomatic crisis occurs against the backdrop of broader regional tensions, with Venezuela having previously expelled Argentine diplomatic personnel after President Milei questioned the results of the July 28 elections in which Maduro was declared the winner. The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General, Luis Almagro, has criticized Venezuela’s actions as ‘completely contrary to International Law’.As the situation unfolds, there are growing concerns about the safety of the opposition leaders in the embassy and the potential for further escalation of tensions between Venezuela and its neighboring countries. The international community watches closely as this diplomatic standoff threatens to further isolate Venezuela and complicate regional relations.
Key points
- Venezuela has revoked Brazil’s authorization to represent Argentina’s interests in Caracas, citing alleged terrorist activities.
- Six opposition leaders are taking refuge in the Argentine embassy, which is reportedly surrounded by Venezuelan security forces.
- The decision has sparked a diplomatic crisis involving Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil, with international bodies condemning Venezuela’s actions.
- The situation threatens to further isolate Venezuela and complicate regional relations in South America.
Contradictions👾While Venezuela claims to have evidence of terrorist activities being planned at the Argentine embassy, Argentina and Brazil strongly deny these allegations and emphasize the inviolability of diplomatic missions under international law.
