The Venezuelan Government has responded to comments made yesterday by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

During the post-cabinet news briefing, Mrs Persad-Bissessar referred to an allegation by Venezuela’s Justice Minister that a T&T national was captured in an alleged paramilitary group.

She also referred to the Minister’s warning that they would pursue anyone attempting to de-stabilise Venezuela, saying “they could do whatever they want on Venezuelan territory but they cannot come here. T&T territory is off limits to them.”

In a communiqué, the Venezuelan Government said the Prime Minister’s reaction was “irate and unjustified” given the “legitimate complaint” made.

It also doubled down on its initial allegations, saying it has “captured criminals of Trinidadian origin, who have confessed their plans, statements that have been duly supported with compelling evidence presented by the competent authorities.”

It insisted that Mrs Persad-Bissessar’s “virulent” attitude “raises serious suspicions of complicity with this incursion and compromises the good relations of cooperation” between the two countries.

Despite this, the communiqué ends with the Venezuelan Government reaffirming its commitment to “peace, sovereignty and mutual respect” and calling for diplomatic channels to be used.