Credit: U.S. Department of State

By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC TIMES

All U.S. diplomats in Venezuela are to remain in the country despite the regime of Nicolás Maduro ordering their departure this week, according to State Department.  The Trump administration announced it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the new interim President of Venezuela.  Maduro, who steadfastly insists he his Venezuela’s legitimate president,  said his government is breaking relations with the United States in retaliation.  Maduro gave notice yesterday to all U.S. diplomatic personnel to leave the country in 72 hours. Meanwhile, the Trump administration said its diplomats in Venezuela are not going anywhere.

“The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela. Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Jan. 23, 2019. 

The chaotic political drama in Venezuela is unfolding fast and furious.  Guaidó declared himself the country’s interim president amid nationwide protests Wednesday, in a bid to seize power from Maduro.

Maduro accused the opposition and the U.S. of an attempted coup.  On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence posted a video message online telling Venezuelan opposition leaders and protesters that the U.S. supports their efforts to oust Maduro.

U.S. Embassy in Venezuela Security Alert:  Consular Services for January 24, 2019

Credit: nbc.new.com / The U.S. embassy in Caracas/ Miguel Gutirrez / EPA

Event: U.S. citizens are advised that protests may continue through the rest of the week. The U.S. Embassy will maintain normal business hours and will receive any U.S. citizens needing emergency services on January 24, 2019 from 8:00am to 3:00pm.  However, all visa appointments for January 24, 2019 have been cancelled. In addition, the movement of U.S. government personnel will be restricted to the following neighborhoods in Caracas: Valle Arriba and Santa Fe, as well as the Escuela Campo Alegre (ECA). U.S. government personnel have been asked to keep their preschool and school aged children home from school on January 24.

Actions to Take:

• U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the area of any demonstration and large gatherings. U.S. citizens should also avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Monitor local news media for updates.

Oil-Rich Venezuela Teetering On The Brink Of Collapse Amid Economic Downturn And Social Unrest

Venezuela is rich in oil with the world’s largest petroleum reserves. However, the country is gripped by violent protests amid an economic crisis as oil and food production have plunged over the past years.

Some political observers are of the opinion that the Trump administration’s decision to leave diplomats in Venezuela could put them at risk amid the continued social unrest.

“This puts Americans’ lives in danger. Full stop. And here I thought Republicans cared about the security of our diplomats?”

tweeted Laura Rosenberger, a former aide to Hillary Clinton.

THE  U.S.  HAS  NO  PLANS  TO  CLOSE  THE  AMERICAN  EMBASSY IN VENEZUELA 

A State Department spokesperson told Diplomatic Times Thursday that  “We have no plans to close the  Embassy. Our priority remains the safety and protection of our personnel and U.S. citizens overseas. Interim President Guaido has invited the U.S. Mission to remain in Venezuela. We will continue to evaluate the situation on the ground and determine appropriate action. The safety and security of our personnel and their families is a top priority. We are monitoring the security situation in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  We are prepared to do the things we need to do to make sure we keep our people safe.  The full range of United States government resources are at the ready to ensure the safety and security of U.S. diplomats and their families.”