LOC16:55
13:55 GMT
MADRID, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- Spain expelled on Friday the Venezuelan ambassador and declared him persona non-grata in retaliation for an identical step by Caracas.
Culture Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo said at a news conference the diplomat was ordered out of the country after the cabinet decided to give him 72 hours to leave.
The move was in response to an identical action by Caracas against the Spanish envoy there, he confirmed.
Venezuela declared expulsion of the Spanish ambassador accusing Madrid of meddling in its internal affairs.
It also charges that Spain is behind an EU decision to impose curbs on seven Venezuelan leaders. (end)
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