Venezuela's Revocation of Argentine Representation Sparks Diplomatic Rift

Venezuela has revoked Brazil’s authorization to represent Argentine interests in the country, affecting an embassy sheltering six opposition figures. Venezuela conveyed the information through a diplomatic note. Argentina's Foreign Ministry has sought an ICC arrest warrant against President Nicolas Maduro, citing actions post-July elections.

Venezuela has withdrawn Brazil's authorization to represent Argentine interests in the country, a move directly impacting an embassy where six opposition figures are taking refuge, according to a Brazilian diplomatic source on Saturday.

In a diplomatic communiqué issued on Saturday morning, Venezuela formally informed Brazil of the decision. Brazil responded that it would continue representing Argentine interests until another country is designated with Argentina's authorization.

Representatives from Venezuela and Argentina did not respond to requests for comment. On Friday night, opposition members at the Argentine residence reported surveillance and electrical outages, sharing videos of men in black and government intelligence patrols (SEBIN) on their X accounts.

These events follow an incident in March when six individuals sought asylum at the Argentine embassy in Caracas after being charged with conspiracy by a prosecutor. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has denied these allegations. Argentina's Foreign Ministry recently urged the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for President Nicolas Maduro and senior officials over incidents after the July elections.

Venezuela's relations with Argentina soured after the contentious presidential election on July 28. Brazil, along with Colombia and Mexico, has called on Venezuela to release the full electoral results, which the government and electoral authority have not provided, though they declared Nicolas Maduro the winner for a third term. (Report by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia; Additional reporting by Jorge Otaola in Buenos Aires; Written by Vivian Sequera and Alexander Villegas; Edited by Franklin Paul)

(With inputs from agencies.)