European Parliamentarians Claim Being Expelled From Venezuela, Caracas Suspects Conspiracy

A group of members of the European Parliament claimed on Sunday they were being expelled from Venezuela right upon arrival, but Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported that parliamentarians were planning a conspiracy in the country.

BUENOS AIRES (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th February, 2019) A group of members of the European Parliament claimed on Sunday they were being expelled from Venezuela right upon arrival, but Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported that parliamentarians were planning a conspiracy in the country.

"Be aware!Our passports have been taken and we're being expelled from Venezuela. Bad manners and the only explanation is [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro doesn't want us here," a member of the European Parliament Gonzalez Pons wrote on Twitter.

If expulsion happens, it should be the final proof that options are over, and the European Union should withdraw from the Contact Group on Venezuela, he added.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Caracas would not allow provocations in the country.

"By diplomatic official channels, the authorities of Venezuela were notified several days ago about the arrival of a group of European parliamentarians who intended to visit the country for conspiracy purposes, which is unacceptable.

They were recommended to avoid provocations," he wrote on Twitter.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated over two weeks ago when opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's re-election of incumbent leader Nicolas Maduro. Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and a number of other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay were among those that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimately elected president.

A number of EU member states have individually recognized Guaido after the Venezuelan authorities failed to organize a new presidential election in the country within an eight-day period set by the EU states. EU countries were also expected to issue a joint statement recognizing Guaido, however, Italy vetoed the motion.