Venezuela Withdraws Diplomats From 7 Latin American Countries

Venezuela announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic staff from seven Latin American countries, in protest against the interference of these countries' governments in their internal affairs. Venezuela also called on the governments of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay to withdraw their diplomatic staff accredited in the country. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry considered, in a statement, that the position of the seven countries undermines national sovereignty, calling on its diplomats to leave these countries. Venezuela accuses the seven countries of interfering in its internal affairs, especially the presidential elections held Sunday, which resulted in the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro for a third term. The National Electoral Council in Venezuela declared Monday Nicolas Maduro the winner in the country's presidential elections. Maduro was re-elected after winning 51.20 percent of the votes, the Council said. Source: Qatar News Agency