Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with Colombia on Saturday, giving US Diplomats 24 hours to leave the country.
“We can’t keep putting up with Colombian territory being used for attacks against Venezuela,” Maduro said at a rally. “For that reason I’ve decided to sever all ties with the fascist government of Colombia. All consul employees should leave within 24 hours. Out! Get out. Enough is enough.”
It comes after the US recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido an interim leader; and said the “former president” (Nicolas Maduro) no longer had the authority to order its diplomats out of the country.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry responded in a statement that the nation “does not recognize the legitimacy of the usurper Maduro” and instead backs Guaido.
“Colombia has always acted in a humanitarian and peaceful way and will continue to do so in order to help create the conditions that will give rise to democracy and freedom in Venezuela once again,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, amid controversies Maduro is refusing medical and food supplies, believing US will use it as means to curry favor with his troops and overthrow him.
“The U.S. will take action against those who oppose the peaceful restoration of democracy in #Venezuela,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Saturday that US would respond to Maduro’s balkiness.
Venezuela’s economy has been rapidly dwindling more recently. Hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items have driven millions of people from the country.
