'Supporters of Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido have seized Venezuela’s embassy in Brazil. While embassy officials said they were “invaded by force,” Guaido’s “envoy” to the country has declared herself the new ambassador.
About 20 Guaido supporters jumped the embassy wall and occupied the facility, according to local reports. Videos posted on social media show police lined up outside the embassy while others stand around the building.
Reporting on the invasion, Venezuelan Charge d’Affaires, Freddy Efrain Meregote, has requested help from all political parties and social movements to resolve the crisis.
Meregote has dismissed claims that some embassy officials helped the occupiers get in the embassy, saying that “all officials recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.”
Meanwhile, in a letter released to media, Maria Teresa Belandria announced herself as Venezuela’s “rightful” ambassador to Brazil.
In the letter, she claimed that a group of embassy employees invited her and other Guaido supporters into the building and said embassy staff were told they could keep their jobs if they joined the coupists.
Venezuelan FM Jorge Arreaza has condemned the invasion on his Twitter page, saying that the government of Brazil is responsible for the safety of the diplomatic staff and facilities, and demanding that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations be respected.'
Read more: Guaido supporters invade Venezuelan embassy in Brazil & announce new ‘ambassador’
