Venezuela Lodges Protest Against 'Meddling' of European Diplomats

Venezuela has delivered a formal protest note to the ambassadors of Spain, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom for "meddling" in the internal affairs of the country, the foreign ministry has said.

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"We had to make this announcement as a matter of urgency given the permanent interference of these ambassadors and their governments in Venezuela's internal affairs, in the functioning of its democracy, in the functioning of its public powers," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said.

The protest notes, which were presented individually to the ambassadors of Spain, Germany and Italy were in response to the statements issued by the ambassadors of Spain, Germany and Italy questioning the ban on opposition figure Lilian Tintori to leave the country,

On Aug. 30, the criminal investigation unit, CICPC, found 200 million bolivares in cash, about US$60,000 at the official exchange rate, inside a vehicle belonging to Tintori in four wooden crates and an investigation has been opened, which prohibits her from leaving the country while it continues.

"The ambassadors were used by Mrs. Tintori, who had prepared a press conference, accompanied by ambassadors, knowing that she would not be able to leave Venezuela because of the case in which she is accused," said Arreaza.

Likewise, the Venezuelan official rejected the position of figures such as Spanish President Mariano Rajoy and Argentine President Mauricio Macri, who made statements "in a crude way about the government of Venezuela."

"These kinds of expressions are impertinent and offensive towards Venezuelan democracy," Arreaza added.

The foreign diplomat instead urged all countries with a true desire to help bring peace to Venezuela to join with others in respect for Venezuela's sovereignty, its democracy and its institutions.