Pompeo says all US diplomats have left Venezuela

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday announced that all U.S. diplomats have temporarily left Venezuela, amid a mounting political crisis in the Latin American country. 

“Today, all U.S. diplomats remaining in Venezuela departed the country,” he said. 

“They are fully dedicated to our mission of supporting the Venezuelan people’s aspirations to live in a democracy and build a better future for their families,” he added. “U.S. diplomats will now continue that mission from other locations where they will continue to help manage the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people and support the democratic actors bravely resisting tyranny.” {mosads}

Venezuela is undergoing a humanitarian and economic crisis and the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, has been accused of humanitarian violations. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó has named himself the country’s interim president, and his leadership was recognized by President Trump as well as other countries.

The Trump administration has been placing sanctions on Venezuela amid the crises. 

“The United States government, at all levels, remains firm in its resolve and support for the people of Venezuela and Interim President Juan Guaidó,” Pompeo said in the statement. “We look forward to resuming our presence once the transition to democracy begins.”

Pompeo delivering a message to the Venezuelan people.

“We are prepared to provide the humanitarian assistance that you so richly deserve,” he said. “It’s the Maduro regime which has prevented that.”

.@SecPompeo: “I have a message for the Venezuelan people—the American people are with you.” pic.twitter.com/RLNB0iRw5Q

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 14, 2019

Maduro retweeted a criticism of the video that accused the U.S. of not cooperating with Venezuela, blocking its economy and threatening the country with use of force.