Rechercher

/ languages

Choisir langue
 

Venezuela/US

US expels Venezuelan ambassador

Article published on the 2008-09-12 Latest update 2008-09-12 17:50 TU

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with supporters in Caracas. (Photo: Reuters)

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with supporters in Caracas.
(Photo: Reuters)

Print the article

Send the article

Comments on article


The US order came as a retaliation after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Thursday ordered the US ambassador to his country, Patrick Duddy, to leave.

Chavez's order followed closely on Bolivia's explusion of its US ambassador, Philip Goldberg.

The US treasury also said it was freezing assets of two Venezuelan intelligence officials and a former Interior Minister.

Speaking after Friday's diplomatic riposte, the US State Departement said it regretted the moves by Caracas and La Paz but said they showed the "weakness and desperation" of the leaders of the two South American countries. 

It said charges, against the ambassador to Bolivia, by President Morales of "contributing to divisions" were "baseless".

In a separate move this week, Russia has said it will send warships and planes to the Caribbean for joint exercises with Venezuela.