PANAMA's civil aviation authority has been ordered to apply 'retaliation measures' against Venezuela, though no further details were provided, reports Reuters
PANAMA's civil aviation authority has been ordered to apply 'retaliation measures' against Venezuela, though no further details were provided, reports Reuters. This move comes after Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro announced his third-term victory shortly after midnight, a result that has been widely challenged by the opposition, independent pollsters, and several international leaders.
In response, Panama has suspended diplomatic relations with Venezuela and announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel pending a full review of the disputed election.
The order follows an incident where a plane carrying regional former presidents from Panama to observe Venezuela's election was blocked from departing.
Panamanian and Venezuelan authorities stated that flights between the two countries would be suspended.
Venezuela also halted flights to the Dominican Republic, accusing both governments of interfering in its internal affairs.
Panamanian president Jose Raul Mulino and Dominican president Luis Abinader have called for a review of the election results.
The Organization of American States is set to meet to discuss the results, and Panama's neighbor Costa Rica has offered political asylum to opposition leaders.
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