The United States has decided to withdraw some of its diplomats from the Embassy and consulates in Venezuela. The document, published by the state Department on Thursday, January 24, notes that this decision was made for security reasons. Washington notes that the US diplomatic mission will continue to work in the country, but in Venezuela there will be only those diplomats who are responsible for particularly important activities.

The state Department document calls on American citizens living in Venezuela to think about leaving the country. It is noted that in the current conditions, the provision of consular assistance will be difficult.

The US Department of state: Maduro is not a decree for Washington

On Wednesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced his decision to sever diplomatic and political relations with the United States in response to Washington’s support for the Venezuelan opposition. He pointed out that American diplomats working in Venezuela should leave the country before Sunday. The head of the US state Department Mike Pompeo said that Washington will not follow the instructions of Maduro.

Meanwhile, Maduro announced that Venezuela would close its Embassy and all consulates in the United States. Speaking in the Supreme Court, he also appealed to the people of the United States for support “in the struggle for democracy in Venezuela.”

The Venezuelan President also said that he agreed with the call of Mexico and Uruguay for dialogue between the Venezuelan government and the opposition to resolve the political crisis.