Venezuela and Paraguay Break Ties, Expel Diplomats Over González Recognition

Jan 6, 2025, 08:10 PM

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the breaking of diplomatic relations with Paraguay, announcing the withdrawal of Venezuela's diplomatic personnel, after Paraguayan President Santiago Peña recognized opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela. Venezuela rejected Peña's statements as ignoring international law. In response, Paraguay reaffirmed its support for González, demanded that Venezuelan Ambassador Ricardo Capella and diplomatic staff leave the country within 48 hours, and recognized González as president-elect four days before his inauguration. The diplomatic rift escalates tensions between the two South American nations over disputed election results.