The Venezuelan consul in the Colombian department of Arauca closed his office on Tuesday, fearing for his life due to threats made against him by an assailant.
The consul, Carlos David Garcia Mendez, complained to the Colombian authorities that he was being intimidated by a man who entered his house and attacked it with stones. The official claimed that his car was also damaged, and as a result he has closed his office until further notice.
The closure of the consulate has caused problems for scores of Colombians who visit the office every day for visa processing and assistance in transit across the border into Venezuela, reported Caracol TV.
It is claimed that a man has been threatening the consul because he was denied passage into Venezuela. The consul presented his predicament today to local authorities who agreed to reach a temporary compromise.
“A frank dialogue allowed us to reach an agreement. The consul said that the local community should not have to pay for [the actions] of a social misfit,” concluded the secretary for the Government of Arauca.
The diplomatic office is expected to re-open its door in the coming hours.
