South American countries criticize Maduro’s action on Argentine embassy

At least four South American governments have criticized Nicolás Maduro’s decision to revoke Brazil’s custody of the Argentine embassy in Caracas. According to official statements from Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, the act affects diplomatic relations and violates international norms.

Brazil also took a stand. In a note sent to the Poder360 this Saturday (7.Sep.2024), Itamaraty confirmed that it was notified about the measure. However, it said that the country “will continue to represent Argentina’s interests in Venezuela until a replacement is appointed”.

The countries that repudiated Maduro’s decision classified it as “unjustified” (read more in the notes below). In addition, the statements expressly cite the breach of the principles enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Brazilian government took over representation of the Argentine diplomatic headquarters on August 1 after the Venezuelan government ordered the expulsion of the country’s diplomatic corps led by Javier Milei (La Libertad Avanza, right) and 6 other Latin American nations.

The measure was taken because the governments contested the legitimacy of Maduro’s reelection in the July 28 elections. The Argentine diplomatic corps and military left Venezuela in response to the notification sent.

Brazil’s role in the Argentine embassy is mainly to guard the facilities and archives. The country has also become responsible for ensuring the protection of six members of the opposition to the Chavista regime, who are sheltered in the embassy in Caracas.

Below are the full texts of the notes from the South American countries that criticized Maduro’s actions:

ARGENTINA

“The Argentine Republic expresses its recognition to the sister Federative Republic of Brazil for representing Argentine interests in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and appreciates its commitment and responsibility in ensuring the custody of Argentine properties in that country.

Likewise, it denounces to the international community that patrols of the Venezuelan intelligence services and security forces are currently surrounding the official residence in Caracas. At the same time, the Maduro regime announced that it has unilaterally revoked the authorization granted to Brazil to guard the official property.

The Argentine Republic rejects this unilateral measure and warns the Venezuelan government that it must respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which enshrines the inviolability of the mission’s premises. Any attempt to invade or kidnap asylum seekers staying in our official residence will be harshly condemned by the international community. Actions such as these reinforce the conviction that fundamental human rights are not respected in Maduro’s Venezuela.”

Here is the full from Argentina’s note [PDF-107 kB]

PARAGUAY

“The Government of the Republic of Paraguay regrets and rejects the unilateral decision taken by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to revoke the authorization granted to Brazil for the custody of the Official Residence of the Argentine Republic in Caracas, violating the principles enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Republic of Paraguay urges the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to respect international standards.

Likewise, Paraguay recognizes the Federative Republic of Brazil for the representation assumed in safeguarding the interests and custody of the assets of the Argentine Republic in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

Here is the full from the Paraguayan banknote [PDF-91 kB]

URUGUAY

“The Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay expresses its concern about the decision of the Government of Venezuela to immediately and unjustifiably revoke the approval granted to the Federative Republic of Brazil to represent the interests of the Argentine Republic and the custody of its assets and facilities in that country.

This situation constitutes a violation of international norms and a further subjugation of the asylum rights of Venezuelan citizens in the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic representation, who have already been denied safe passage to leave Venezuelan territory and who are currently victims of a permanent siege by the regime.

The Government of Uruguay denounces that the actions of the Venezuelan regime violate the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and holds local authorities responsible for the safety of asylum seekers.

Uruguay expresses its solidarity with the Argentine Republic and the Federative Republic of Brazil in these difficult times and hopes for a resolution of the current situation in accordance with international law and the tradition of peaceful coexistence among Latin American nations.”

Here is the full from the Uruguayan note [PDF-147 kB]

CHILE

“The government of Chile expresses its concern about the decision of the Government of Venezuela to revoke, immediately and unjustifiably, the authorization it had granted to Brazil to provide protection and custody to the Argentine Embassy in Caracas.

The above represents a serious ignorance of what is stipulated in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.

We express our repudiation of this decision and our solidarity with the governments of Argentina and Brazil for the situation they are currently experiencing.”

Here is the full from the Uruguayan note [PDF-96 kB]