Venezuela opens criminal investigation against opposition leaders, Brazil to diplomatically represent Argentina and Peru

(Patria) - Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab stated on Monday that his office will launch a criminal investigation against opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, who are challenging the results of the elections held on July 28, Reuters reported.

Saab said the investigation was concluded for "inciting police and military officials to disregard the law".

Earlier on Monday, opposition leaders published a letter calling on security forces to "stand with the people" and respect the election results, which they claim to have won.

Brazil announced on Monday a diplomatic agreement that will allow it to represent the interests of Argentina and Peru in Caracas, after Venezuela severed ties with the two nations following the disputed presidential elections, Reuters reported.

The Brazilian government, like Colombia and Mexico, called for the full results of the vote to be published after the Venezuelan elections on July 28. However, Venezuela's electoral authorities have not done so yet, while declaring that President Nicolás Maduro has been re-elected for a third term.

Venezuela expelled diplomats from Argentina and Peru late last week, after their governments recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of the elections.

According to the agreement between Brazil and Venezuela, which takes effect on Monday, the Brazilian embassy in Caracas has been given oversight of the diplomatic offices belonging to Argentina and Peru in Venezuela, including assets and files, according to a joint statement.

A Brazilian official told Reuters last week that Brazil would play a mediating role in matters concerning Argentina and Peru regarding their citizens in Venezuela.

In addition to Argentina and Peru, diplomats from Chile, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic have also left Venezuela, after those governments also recognized González as the winner.