In a move that adds to the growing tensions following the disputed presidential election in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro’s government has ended Brazil’s authority to represent Argentina’s interests in the country. This decision will halt Brazil’s stewardship of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six Venezuelan opposition members seeking asylum are currently residing. Maduro’s government claimed, without evidence, that assassination attempts were being planned within the diplomatic facility, leading to the decision.
Brazil has stated that it will not surrender its authority over the embassy and reiterated the inviolability of diplomatic facilities under international law. The asylum seekers in the embassy have raised concerns about surveillance and loss of electricity, highlighting the increasing pressure faced by the Maduro government after the controversial election in July.
Opposition leaders have disputed the election results, citing irregularities and lack of transparency. Protests have erupted throughout Venezuela, calling for Maduro to step down and for greater transparency in the electoral process. The government has responded with violence and arrests, including issuing an arrest warrant for an opposition leader. Human Rights Watch has condemned the Venezuelan security forces’ crackdown on protesters as “shockingly brutal.”
The decision to end Brazil’s authority over the Argentine embassy in Caracas is the latest development in the ongoing post-election tensions in Venezuela. The international community, including Brazil and other South American governments, has expressed skepticism about Maduro’s victory and called for transparency in the electoral process.
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