“The Netherlands perceives the decision of the Venezuelan authorities to reduce the number of diplomats working in this Latin American country as an escalation.”, — write: www.ukrinform.ua
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said the kingdom “views this move as an escalation that makes dialogue even more difficult” and is working on countermeasures.
It is noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands summoned an attorney for the affairs of Venezuela.
“We are now considering… what our response will look like. We regret this step. Together with our EU partners, we will consider what this will mean for relations,” the minister said.
Earlier, the Venezuelan authorities announced that they were reducing to three the number of accredited diplomats from the Netherlands, France and Italy for criticism in connection with the election of Nicolas Maduro for a third presidential term. Restrictions on movement around the country have also been introduced for diplomats. To travel further than 40 km from the center of Caracas, they will have to obtain written permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before that, six Dutch diplomats worked in Venezuela, including the ambassador.
Read also: Sibiga on the “inauguration” of Maduro: Selection Venezuelaof the people was stolen As reported, on January 10, Maduro was sworn in as the president of Venezuela, extending his third term in office for another six years.
The Council of the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions against persons responsible for violations of rights and freedoms in Venezuela, as well as for the illegal extension of the powers of Nicolás Maduro.
The US government also announced new sanctions against Venezuelan officials. In addition, Washington announced an increase to $25 million in rewards for information leading to the arrest of President Maduro.