Tensions with the US, Venezuela recalls diplomatic officials

(Baonghean.vn) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on March 9 (local time) announced that he would summon the country's senior diplomats in Washington back to Caracas to protest the US's extension of the decree imposing sanctions on a number of senior officials of this South American country.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivers his annual speech in Caracas on January 15. Photo: AP.

The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010, and Maximilien Sanchez Arvelaiz is Venezuela's charge d'affaires in the US capital.

“We will not accept imposition and aggression,” Mr. Maduro said in a televised speech announcing the recall of his diplomat. “Enough of this arrogance.”

Last March, President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials, accusing them of human rights violations and corruption.

The sanctions came after the US Congress passed a bill that would allow sanctions to freeze assets and ban visas for anyone accused of violence or human rights abuses by Venezuelan government opponents.

On March 9, Venezuelan officials said that Mr. Obama sent a letter to the leaders of the US legislature, declaring that the sanctions would be extended because the situation in Venezuela had not improved.

Mr. Maduro said that this extension "is a stain on Obama because he had many opportunities to change the situation but imposed an arrogant attitude."

Since 1999 when Hugo Chavez became President of Venezuela, the country's relationship with the United States has been through many ups and downs.

Thu Giang

(According to AP)