Venezuela cuts ties with Panama over ‘conspiracy’

The Venezuelan government has announced that it is cutting ties with Panama, citing the Central American country’s complicity in a “conspiracy” against Caracas.

“I’ve decided to break political and diplomatic ties with the current government of Panama and freeze all trade and economic relations from this moment on,” said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the death of the country’s leader Hugo Chavez on Wednesday.

Maduro said he decided to halt relations with Panama City because it had joined the United States in plotting against his government.

“We’re not going to let anyone get away with interfering with our fatherland, you despicable lackey, president of Panama,” he said.

Panama, however, rejected Maduro’s remarks as “unacceptable” offenses.

The diplomatic spat came after Panama City called for a discussion on recent anti-government protests in Venezuela at the Washington-based Organization of American States (OAS).

Venezuela has witnessed violent pro- and anti-government demonstrations since February 12. The unrest has led to the death of at least 18 people and injured over 260 others.

The opposition has criticized the Maduro administration for the country’s high crime rate and economic hardships, claiming that the government policies have led to a shortage of essential goods and high inflation.

Maduro, however, says the opposition seeks to launch a coup d’état in the South American country with the backing of Washington.