WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 25th January, 2019) The flag is still flying over the Venezuela's embassy in Washington DC, but the windows are shut tight and a notice of suspended consular services has been placed on the mission's doors, a Sputnik corresponded reported from the scene.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced his decision to break off diplomatic relations with the United States and said Venezuela will close its embassy and consulates there. Maduro also said US diplomats must leave Venezuela by Sunday.
The embassy doors are closed and a sign place there reads "It is hereby to inform that there will be no Consular Service in this headquarters until further notice. Regards."
While all windows of the Venezuelan embassy are also closed and the blinds are shut, a lamp light can be seen through them.
The UPS mail service delivered a package and a female embassy employee was seen taking it and then quickly retreating in the diplomatic mission.
Several media outlets vehicles are parked outside the embassy and journalists can be observed coming and going from the premises.
On Wednesday, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the interim president of Venezuela. The United States shortly thereafter urged President Nicolas Maduro to step down and let Guaido assume the presidency.
The Organization of American States and ten nations in the Americas have followed suit and recognized Guaido as interim president of Venezuela, calling Maduro's presidency illegitimate.
On January 10, Maduro took an oath of office to begin his second presidential term, which will last until 2025.
At least 16 people have been killed and more than 200 arrested during mass anti-government protests in the country over the past several days, according to media reports.
