Venezuela expels ambassadors of 7 Latin American countries for not recognizing election results

On July 29, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of the ambassadors of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay, after the governments of these countries did not recognize the results of the presidential election on July 28.

In an official announcement, Foreign Minister Yván Gil said he had requested the withdrawal of all diplomatic officials from the embassies of the seven Latin American countries mentioned above, and requested the closure of the diplomatic missions of these countries because of their "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs," especially the country's presidential election in which President Nicolas Maduro was re-elected for a third six-year term.

Mr. Gil also affirmed that the Venezuelan government will "guarantee all legal and political actions to force respect, preserve and protect the inalienable right to self-determination" of the South American country, as well as "confront any actions that threaten the atmosphere of peace and coexistence for which the Venezuelan people have worked so hard."

Venezuela's decision came hours after the Panamanian government requested a review of Venezuela's election records, saying "too many violations have occurred."

Mr. Mulino also announced that he would sever relations with Venezuela and withdraw all diplomatic staff.

Earlier in the day, Venezuela's National Electoral Council announced that President Nicolas Maduro had won the election held the day before.