After the EU’s move in sanctioning some Venezuelan officials loyal to Nicol?s Maduro, Venezuelan President ordered the European Union’s ambassador on Monday to leave the country.

Iran PressAmerica: Maduro’s order, given in an address on state television, follows stiff financial measures imposed by the EU against 11 Venezuelans, including Luis Parra, who heads a National Assembly rival to the one headed by opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

The measures brought to 36 the total number of Venezuelan officials under European sanctions, which include a travel ban and it freezes assets. EU officials said in a statement the sanctions target individuals and do not affect the population in general.

European leaders said they will “continue working to foster a peaceful democratic solution in Venezuela, through inclusive and credible legislative elections.”

While scolding EU officials for backing Guaidó, Maduro even offered to help the European delegation find a flight out of Venezuela amid the coronavirus pandemic that’s grounded most air travel.

Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, who heads the European Union delegation in Venezuela, did not immediately respond. Maduro gave the ambassador 72 hours to leave Venezuela.

“If they can’t respect Venezuela, then they should leave it,” said Maduro, rejecting the European leaders’ endorsement of Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president. “They recognize a puppet as president.”

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