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Venezuela announces plans to limit number of US diplomats allowed, require tourist visas

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A supporter of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holdups a picture of the late President Hugo Chavez during a march to commemorate the anniversary of a convulsion of violence in Caracas known as the "Caracazo", in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. Marchers are taking to the streets of Caracas in dueling protests, with one group calling attention to a crackdown on opponents of the government and another showing support for the embattled socialist administration. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) (The Associated Press)

Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro waves a flag with the image of Venezuelan hero Simon Bolivar during a march to commemorate the anniversary of a convulsion of violence in Caracas known as the "Caracazo", in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. Marchers are taking to the streets of Caracas in dueling protests, with one group calling attention to a crackdown on opponents of the government and another showing support for the embattled socialist administration. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) (The Associated Press)

An opposition member covers his face with a Venezuelan flag during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. Marchers are taking to the streets of Caracas in dueling protests, with one group calling attention to a crackdown on opponents of the government and another showing support for the embattled socialist administration.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano) (The Associated Press)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he will limit the number of U.S. diplomats allowed to work in the socialist South American country and also will require U.S. citizens to apply for visas if they want to visit.

Maduro said Saturday that U.S. meddling in the internal affairs of his country has forced him to adopt the series of restrictive measures.

Relations between the two countries have been steadily deteriorating. Earlier this month, Maduro accused the U.S. of working with local opposition groups to stage a coup that involved bombing the presidential palace. Washington has rejected the accusation as ludicrous.

The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010.