The US has announced tit-for-tat expulsion of two Venezuelan diplomats in a row sparked by Washington’s criticism of President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection on Sunday.
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The two Venezuelan diplomats were declared “personae non grata” and directed to leave the US within 48 hours, according to a statement from State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.
The expulsion was ordered in response to the Maduro regime’s decision to expel two US diplomats earlier this week, the statement added. On Tuesday Maduro announced the expulsion of the two US diplomats, Todd Robinson and Brian Naranjo, after Trump administration’s criticised last Sunday’s controversial presidential elections.
Socialist leader Maduro won a second six-year term on Sunday in an election decided by the opposition and international community. On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence called the elections “a sham” and the White House announced a series of new sanctions targeting the Venezuelan government.
Maduro has continued the huge social welfare programs and price control policies of Venezuela’s late leader Hugo Chavez, who steered the country toward socialism.
Many Venezuelans saw Chavez as the champion of the poor. Chavez’ hand-picked successor, Maduro won the 2013 presidential election.