The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Chrystia Freelan, issued today the following statement: “As Venezuela gets deeper into the dictatorship and Venezuelans continue to suffer at the hands of the illegitimate regime of Maduro, the regime has taken measures to limit the ability of the foreign embassies to operate in Venezuela, particularly those that advocate the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.
“Unfortunately, at the end of this month, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela will no longer be able to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime and their visas will expire, so we have no other option but to temporarily suspend our operations in the country. Embassy of Canada in Venezuela, with immediate effect, “said the diplomat.
“We are also evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime in Canada.”
Despite this temporary suspension, Canada, together with its partners in the Lima Group and the international community, will continue to defend the rights of the Venezuelan people and the full return to democracy in Venezuela.
Canada continues to provide consular assistance to Canadians in Venezuela through the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá. For several months we have advised Canadians to avoid all trips to Venezuela.
“Canadians who need consular assistance in Venezuela should send an email to [email protected] or contact the Embassy of Canada in Colombia, in Bogotá, at +57 (1) 657-9800. Canadians can also contact the 24/7 Emergency Response and Response Center Canada in Ottawa by calling +1 613 996 8885.
With information from the Office of Relations with the Media
Global Issues Canada
