Venezuela summons Spanish ambassador over meddling charges

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday accused the Spanish government of meddling in the country's internal affairs, and announced a "comprehensive review" of her country's diplomatic, political and economic ties with Spain.

In a televised press conference following her meeting with the Spanish Ambassador to Caracas, Antonio Perez, Rodriguez said "we will not allow interventionism of any kind."

During the meeting with Perez, Rodriguez read the envoy recent declarations by Spanish "authorities making pronouncements against Venezuela," in violation of Venezuela's legitimate powers and reiterated that Spain's officials "should abide by the international laws that regulate ties between countries."

The diplomatic scuffle between the two nations has intensified since Spain's parliament called on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to "take all necessary actions and initiatives" to free Venezuelan right-wing leaders Leopoldo Lopez, former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma and others serving jail terms for plotting to overthrow the government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday criticized the move, saying "I am prepared to defend our nation and fight off Madrid if it continues to interfere in our nation's domestic affairs."

Spain, in turn, said Maduro's remarks were "unacceptable."

In March, Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain Mario Isea after Rajoy met with Leopoldo Lopez's wife and urged Maduro to free the opposition leader. Endite