Venezuela directed the expulsion of the top two U.S. diplomats in the country on Tuesday, charging that it was the victim of a “political and financial lynching” after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro’s re-election.
Mr. Maduro declared the expulsions in a televised speech after being officially proclaimed the winner of Sunday’s election.
The vote was boycotted by the main opposition parties and widely condemned by the international community, including the U.S., which denounced it as a “sham”.
Mr. Maduro declared U.S. charge d’affaires Todd Robinson and deputy head of mission Brian Naranjo “personae non-gratae”.
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“They must leave the country in 48 hours in protest and in defence of the dignity of the Venezuelan homeland… Enough of conspiracies!” he said.
The United States immediately threatened to retaliate. A State Department official said that Washington had “not received notification from the Venezuelan government through diplomatic channels,” but that if the expulsions are confirmed, “the United States may take appropriate reciprocal action”.
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