Peru Expels Venezuelan Diplomats Amid Controversial Election Results

Peru's foreign ministry has ordered Venezuelan diplomats to leave within 72 hours following the Venezuelan ruling party's election victory, which was criticized by opponents and independent pollsters. Citing serious decisions made by the Venezuelan regime, Peru also recalled its ambassador, rejecting any violation of Venezuelans' popular will.

Peru's foreign ministry on Monday ordered Venezuelan diplomats accredited in the Andean nation to leave the country within 72 hours after Venezuela's ruling party declared an election victory deemed implausible by the Venezuelan opposition and independent pollsters.

The ministry's statement cited the "serious and arbitrary decisions made today by the Venezuelan regime."

Earlier in the day, Peru announced it would not accept a violation of Venezuelans' popular will and had recalled its ambassador.

(With inputs from agencies.)