MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Venezuela back steps on its decision to expel the EU ambassador

On Monday the Maduro government gave EU’s ambassador Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa 72 hours to leave the country in response to EU sanctions against 11 Venezuelans officials

Venezuela has reversed its decision to expel the European Union’s ambassador to Caracas ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, a statement said on Thursday, ending a tit-for-tat diplomatic row.

 On Monday the Maduro government gave the EU’s ambassador Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa 72 hours to leave the country in response to European sanctions against 11 Venezuelans.

The EU subjected 11 officials to financial sanctions, citing their actions against the democratic functioning of Venezuela’s National Assembly.

“The Venezuelan government decided to nullify the decision,” said the statement from Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

“Cooperation between both parties can facilitate the path of political dialogue,” said the ministry, adding that Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza and EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell had spoken about the issue over the phone.