Panama to Retaliate Against Venezuela Over Diplomatic Rift

Panama's civil aviation authority has been instructed to implement a 'retaliation measure' against Venezuela starting from Wednesday evening. The order comes after a plane carrying regional former presidents was blocked in Panama while en route to observe the Venezuelan election. In response, Panama has suspended diplomatic relations with Venezuela and will withdraw its diplomatic staff pending a review of the disputed vote.

Panama's civil aviation authority has been ordered to apply a 'retaliation measure' against Venezuela starting from Wednesday evening, as revealed by a cabinet spokesperson on Tuesday without providing further details.

This order was issued following an incident where a plane departing from Panama, carrying regional former presidents destined to observe Sunday's election in Venezuela, was blocked.

In response to the incident, Panama has suspended its diplomatic relations with Venezuela and announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel until a comprehensive review of the disputed vote is conducted.

(With inputs from agencies.)