CARACAS (Reuters) -Brazil on Thursday took over the administration of Argentina’s diplomatic premises in Caracas following the expulsion of Argentine diplomats by Venezuela’s authorities, leaving the destiny of six Venezuelan opposition figures taking refuge within the embassy unclear.
Brazil had agreed to care for Argentina’s pursuits in Venezuela on the request of its neighbour and the Brazilian flag was raised over the ambassador’s residence on Thursday.
Argentina’s diplomats have been expelled by the federal government of President Nicolas Maduro after Buenos Aires criticized his proclaimed re-election in a vote final weekend – a end result the opposition disputes. They need to depart the nation on Thursday.
“Brazil has asked for protection for the Argentine embassy, and Maduro agreed to that,” a Brazilian diplomat stated.
Brazil will mediate on points concerning Argentine residents in Venezuela, the principle one being the standing of six Venezuelan opposition leaders who sought asylum within the Argentine embassy.
In March, aides to Venezuelan opposition chief María Corina Machado requested asylum on the embassy after an area prosecutor issued arrest warrants in opposition to them for conspiracy.
Machado, who has denied any allegations of misconduct by her staff, was blocked from being a candidate within the presidential election regardless of being the front-runner in polls. She shouldn’t be one of many six asylum-seekers.
It was not instantly clear what would occur to them, the Brazilian diplomat stated.
