The Colombian Foreign Ministry ordered its embassy and consulate workers in Venezuela not to participate in celebrations of the socialist country’s bicentennial anniversary of its independence, Caracol Radio reported Wednesday.
In an email circulated by the ministry and obtained by Caracol Radio, officials are “requested to refrain from participating in official functions related to the celebration of the bicentennial of Venezuela on April 19.”
The Consulate General of Venezuela in New York is planning a meeting between members of an association of Hispanic consuls, which the Colombians will now have to miss.
The snub follows the recent deteriation in relations following the arrests of eight Colombians accused of spying in Venezuela.