Venezuela expels German envoy Martin Kriener for backing opposition leader Juan Guaido as US tightens sanctions on President Nicolas Maduro
- As Washington revokes visas of 77 people linked to Caracas regime, German Ambassador Martin Kriener is given 48 hours to leave
Venezuela expelled Germany’s ambassador on Wednesday, hitting out at international support for opposition leader Juan Guaido as the US stepped up sanctions in a bid to force out his rival, President Nicolas Maduro, despite UN criticism.
The foreign ministry said Martin Kriener had 48 hours to leave for “interference” in Venezuela’s internal affairs. He had greeted Guaido at Caracas airport on his return to the country on Monday.
Guaido said in a speech to opposition lawmakers that Kriener’s expulsion “must be taken as a threat to the free world”.
Kriener was among more than a dozen foreign representatives to welcome the National Assembly leader – recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries – but so far the only one to be deemed “persona non grata”.
Kriener had helped to try and bring humanitarian aid to the country, he said, adding: “It seems that the Maduro regime does not forgive anyone who wants to help Venezuela.”
Meanwhile, Washington tightened the screws on its campaign of sanctions to force Maduro from power, revoking visas of 77 people linked to the regime, including officials and their families.