Guaido Takes Control Of Venezuela Consulate In New York, But Facility Not Open To Visitors

NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th March, 2019) Juan Guaido'a representatives took control of the Consulate General of Venezuela in New York, but the facility has not yet opened its doors to visitors, a Consulate employee told Sputnik.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro said in a statement on Monday that Venezuela's diplomatic offices in the United States had been illegally taken over by representatives of the country's opposition.

"We arrived at the building today, we are the new mission representing President Juan Guaido," the Consulate General employee said on Tuesday.

The Consulate General - located in midtown Manhattan - will soon be able to address passport and visa-related questions as well as issue visas to tourists despite the fact that the Maduro government does not recognize Guaido as president of Venezuela, the employee said.

A Sputnik correspondent on the scene reported that a sign had been placed on the Consulate General's window saying that the facility would soon open its doors to Venezuelans in the United States so that they could return home.

The Consulate General building does not have any flags of recognition that were put down with the closure of the facility in January. The portrait of former Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez that used to be displayed on the windows of the Consulate General now could be seen put inside the facility.

The street in front of the building was devoid of visitors, unlike in January on the day of the facility's shutdown when dozens of Venezuelans gathered to attend their appointments.

A police car with an officer inside was parked by the facility to monitor the situation.

Similarly, a Sputnik correspondent reported that the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC is closed and a printed sign has been posted saying that all services are suspended until further notice. The opposition said on Monday they have not had the chance to take over the embassy building.

On January 23, opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself to be Venezuela's interim president. The Unites States and 54 other countries recognized Guaido.

Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and other countries continue to recognize Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's only legitimate president who came to power after winning the May 2018 elections.

Maduro said Guaido is a puppet of the United States and accused Washington of orchestrating a coup d'etat in Venezuela in order to force a change in government and claim the country's resources. Maduro also announced his decision to sever diplomatic ties and close Venezuela's embassy and consulates in the United States.

On January 24, the United States recalled all "non-essential" diplomats and embassy personnel from Venezuela, citing security concerns. Last week, the United States withdrew its remaining diplomatic staff from Caracas.