The Venezuelan government has said Brazil can no longer represent Argentina's diplomatic interests in the country, endangering several anti-government dissidents who have holed up for months in the Argentine ambassador's residence seeking asylum, with reports that the embassy is surrounded by security forces.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had informed Brazil of the decision, which takes effect immediately, and that it was forced to act based on evidence, which it did not make public, that people who had sought refuge at Argentina's diplomatic mission were plotting to carry out “terrorist” acts.
Brazil said it received the communication “with surprise,” and Argentina said shortly afterward that it rejected Venezuela's “unilateral” decision. Both countries called on President Nicolas Maduro's government to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“Any attempt to invade or kidnap asylum seekers staying in our official residence will be strongly condemned by the international community,” Argentina said in a statement. “Such actions reinforce the conviction that fundamental human rights are not respected in Venezuela under Maduro's regime.”
Brazil said in a statement that it would continue to restrain and defend Argentina's interests until Argentina presents an alternative country that is acceptable to Venezuela.
Several opposition members who were at the Argentine's residence on Friday night reported on social media that the building was under surveillance and had no electricity. They posted videos showing men in black and government intelligence patrols.
Six people sought asylum at the Argentine embassy in Caracas after prosecutors ordered their arrest in March on charges including conspiracy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado denies the charges against the collaborators.
Saturday's move from Venezuela is the latest outburst of friction between the two countries. The Argentine president has been at the forefront of accusing Mr. Maduro of trying to rig July's presidential election, which electoral authorities declared the winner despite strong evidence that the opposition won by more than two-to-one at the ballot box. Thousands have been arrested in a brutal crackdown since the election.
Magali Meda, a campaign representative for former President Machado, was one of six opposition figures who fled to the Argentine ambassador's residence after Maduro's chief prosecutor ordered their arrest in March on suspicion of spreading destabilizing political violence.
In retaliation, Maduro severed diplomatic ties with the right-wing government of Argentine President Javier Milley, who had asked neighboring Brazil to represent Argentina's interests and provide protection for asylum seekers.
Ms. Meda took to social media to denounce fears that Venezuelan security forces would launch raids to arrest her and other government opponents.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
