Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has closed its embassy and consulate general in Venezuela, following an announcement by the Venezuelan government regarding the withdrawal of representatives from seven countries, including the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this decision on Tuesday.
In a brief statement, the Ministry provided an email and telephone number for Dominicans residing in Venezuela to contact for assistance if needed.
On Monday, the government of Nicolás Maduro ordered the withdrawal of representatives from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Peru. This move came after the leaders of these countries expressed serious concerns about the conduct of the recent presidential elections in Venezuela and called for a review of the results. According to the Venezuelan National Electoral Council, the current president won with 51.2% of the vote, a result disputed by the opposition.