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Rival Staffs Vie for Control of Venezuelan Embassy in Brazil

VOA News

   The opposition backed ambassador's staff attempted to move in to the
   Venezuelan embassy in Brazil on Wednesday as staff loyal to the Maduro
   government resisted the change.

   Opposition leader Juan Guaidó's appointed ambassador, Teresa
   Belandria, said in a statement that staff members at the embassy
   "voluntarily" opened its doors early Wednesday to officials working for
   her.

   "Upon entering the headquarters, we could verify that a group of
   officials was living in the official residence," said Belandria, who
   has not moved in to the embassy.

   "The violent Right's matrix about desertions is absolutely false," said
   Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Twitter. A video posted to
   Arreaza's Twitter showed Venezuela's Chargé d'affaires and staff
   members disputing Belandria's claim.

   A Brazilian foreign ministry representative was inside the embassy in
   an attempt to end the impasse.

   Brazilian military police surrounded the embassy as demonstrators on
   both sides gathered to support the Maduro government and opposition
   leader Juan Guaidó.

   Dozens of supporters of Brazil's left-wing Workers Party organized
   outside the embassy. According to French news agency AFP, the
   demonstrators yelled "Viva Maduro," "Drug dealer Guaido" and "Free
   Lula," referencing the Brazilian leftist released from jail on Friday.

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