Fact Check: "Venezuela and El Salvador broke diplomatic relations in November 2019"
What We Know
In November 2019, diplomatic tensions escalated between Venezuela and El Salvador, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. This series of events began when El Salvador expelled Venezuelan diplomats, prompting a reciprocal action from Venezuela, which expelled El Salvador's diplomats shortly thereafter. According to BBC, this tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsion occurred on November 3, 2019. The Venezuelan government officially stated that it was responding to El Salvador's earlier decision to expel its diplomats, which marked a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
However, the term "broke diplomatic relations" implies a complete severance of diplomatic ties, which is not entirely accurate. As of the latest updates, both countries still maintain some level of diplomatic representation, albeit at a reduced capacity following the expulsions.
Analysis
The claim that Venezuela and El Salvador "broke diplomatic relations" is misleading. While it is true that both countries expelled each other's diplomats in November 2019, this action does not equate to a complete severance of diplomatic relations. The El Salvador–Venezuela relations page on Wikipedia notes that the expulsions were a significant diplomatic incident but does not confirm a total breakdown of relations.
The Reuters report corroborates that the expulsions were indeed a reciprocal action, indicating a deterioration in relations rather than a complete break. Furthermore, Venezuelanalysis states that the diplomatic missions were expelled, but it does not mention a formal severance of relations, which is a critical distinction.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with BBC and Reuters being well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. Wikipedia, while useful for initial information, should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy.
Conclusion
The claim that "Venezuela and El Salvador broke diplomatic relations in November 2019" is False. While the two countries did engage in reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, indicating a serious diplomatic rift, they did not completely sever diplomatic ties. The situation reflects a significant downturn in relations rather than a total breakdown.
Sources
- Venezuela - The World Factbook
- Venezuela – Wikipedia
- El Salvador–Venezuela relations
- Venezuela and El Salvador in tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions
- Venezuela – Vikipeedia
- Venezuela and El Salvador expel each others' diplomats
- Venezuela country profile - BBC News
- Venezuela, El Salvador Break Relations as Maduro ...
