Statement: Venezuela Withdraws Consular Personnel in Miami

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has verified with extreme concern the increase in threats against Venezuelan consular personnel in Miami, Florida.

The U.S. government’s decision to declare the Consul General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela persona non grata based on groundless accusations irresponsibly spread by a television network that is better known for its soap operas than for its journalistic seriousness, is an unfair and immoral measure that demonstrates the submission of Washington’s agenda to extremist and violent political sectors in the state of Florida. 

Since the release of those unspeakable speculations, Venezuelan diplomatic and consular personnel have been threatened and intimidated, and in light of the criminal and terrorist nature of individuals and organizations that the U.S. government harbors in the state of Florida, this places them in real, serious and imminent danger.

In order to preserve their physical and moral integrity, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has decided to return its consular personnel in Miami to Caracas, and undertake a full evaluation of the operational and security conditions of the Consulate General.

As a result, until further notice, the Consulate General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Miami will not be able to carry out its normal activities nor offer regular services. The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will advise on the relocation of the services presently offered at the Consulate General in Miami to other districts.