The Peruvian Foreign Ministry has issued a formal notice directing Venezuelan diplomats accredited to Peru to depart the country within 72 hours. The ministry published the directive on its official website, stating that Foreign Minister Javier González Olaechea had instructed the Venezuelan diplomatic corps to leave Peru within the specified timeframe.
According to the release, the move comes as part of Peru’s decision to adjust its diplomatic presence in response to recent developments involving Venezuela. The statement notes that the instruction was conveyed directly to the Venezuelan embassy and consular officials, underscoring the seriousness of the order and the government’s expectation of prompt compliance.
Earlier, Caracas announced a broader shift in its foreign policy by recalling diplomats from several Latin American nations, including Peru, in response to criticisms directed at President Nicolas Maduro regarding the legitimacy of his election victory. The recalls have heightened tensions across the region, with each country weighing its own responses to the accusations and the implications for regional cooperation.
On the evening of July 29, protests unfolded in Caracas as demonstrators gathered near the Miraflores presidential palace. Police and the National Guard blocked routes and used tear gas to disperse crowds, while reports indicated that shots were fired during the confrontations. The clashes marked a volatile moment in the domestic political cycle, drawing international attention to the disputed political narrative surrounding Maduro’s tenure.
There have been mounting claims from Maduro’s camp about threats against the government, including statements from the former president regarding an alleged assassination attempt. The details surrounding these claims remain contested, with supporters and opponents offering starkly different interpretations of the security landscape and the stability of the rule of law under Maduro’s leadership.
Across the region, diplomats and observers are watching the evolving diplomatic rows with concern about what they might mean for cross-border cooperation, humanitarian aid, and regional stability. Analysts suggest that the expulsions and recalls could influence voting patterns, asylum requests, and diplomatic alignments within multilateral forums. Governments are balancing solidarity with principles of diplomatic immunity and sovereignty while also considering the potential repercussions for their citizens, businesses, and regional partnerships.
In Peru, officials stressed that the expulsion order reflects a precise assessment of immediate diplomatic needs and national security considerations. While the move targets Venezuelan personnel, it is also interpreted as a signal about Peru’s stance toward acts perceived as undermining democratic processes and regional security, a theme that resonates with other countries in the hemisphere navigating similar disputes.
As the situation unfolds, observers anticipate further statements from both Lima and Caracas. The international community, including regional organizations and allied governments, is expected to monitor the situation closely, weighing responses that emphasize dialogue, adherence to international norms, and avenues for de-escalation. The coming weeks are likely to reveal how these diplomatic shifts will affect regional diplomacy, trade, and the broader political climate across Latin America.