U.S.-Venezuela Relations Go Fowl

Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela took a bizarre turn this week after Venezuelan authorities confiscated diplomatic cargo headed for the American Embassy in Caracas and accused Washington of smuggling.  Included in the shipment were parts for ejector seats and 176 pounds of chicken.

The State Department has denied the charge and demanded an explanation: “The impounded cargo consisted of household effects of a U.S. diplomat and a shipment of commissary goods…. We have requested an immediate explanation of the entire incident.”

BBC News:

Displaying a photo of the lorries for journalists, Mr Chacon said that only four out of 20 packages were considered diplomatic baggage covered by international protocol.

The US had bypassed customs and the necessary paperwork with the other 16 which included 80 kilos (176 pounds) of chicken, he said.

“They brought in food goods without any health controls, they brought in armaments without any legal control,” he told reporters.

“It’s not the Venezuelan government that is making violations - it’s the US embassy that’s making them.”

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Illustration by Peter Scheer