Panama Halts Diplomatic Ties with Venezuela Amid Election Dispute

Panama has suspended diplomatic relations with Venezuela and plans to withdraw its diplomats until the recent presidential election results are fully reviewed. President Jose Raul Mulino announced the decision after concerns over both candidates, Nicolas Maduro and Edmundo Gonzalez, claiming victory. The review aims to ensure electoral transparency.

Panama has put its diplomatic relations with Venezuela on hold and announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel until a complete review of Sunday's presidential election results is conducted. This news was confirmed by President Jose Raul Mulino on Monday.

Earlier, Panama joined eight other Latin American countries in calling for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) permanent council. These countries have raised concerns over Venezuela's election, wherein both incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez claimed victory. "We are putting diplomatic relations on hold until a complete review of the voting records and of the voting computer system is carried out," Mulino declared during a press conference.

Mulino added that the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel typically takes around 72 hours, though the foreign affairs ministry will decide on the exact timeline.

(With inputs from agencies.)