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The Venezuelan Embassy in Lima, February 26, 2019. REUTERS / Guadalupe Pardo

The Peruvian government has decided to expel diplomats from the Venezuelan embassy still loyal to Nicolas Maduro.

With our correspondent in Quito, Eric Samson

The diplomatic visa of representatives of the regime of Nicolas Maduro in Lima will soon be canceled. This was said by Peruvian Deputy Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela.

Diplomats will become "illegal" from 9 March. They must leave Peru before that date. After March 9, they can be arrested and deported in case of police control. They will no longer be beneficiaries of diplomatic immunity.

Since 2017, the two countries no longer have diplomatic relations and therefore no ambassadors, neither in Lima nor in Caracas. This measure therefore only affects middle-ranking officials.

The Deputy Foreign Minister recalled that Lima has recognized Carlos Scull, the ambassador appointed by the Venezuelan opposition leader, Juan Guaido . Diplomats loyal to Nicolas Maduro are no longer considered representatives of their country. Lima has not said whether Carlos Scull will be able to occupy the premises of the embassy with his staff, even if they have to force the door.

With this measure, the regime of President Martin Vizcarra hardens a little more his position against the regime of Nicolas Maduro, but without going as far as supporting a military intervention that many Venezuelan opponents call their wishes.