Overview
- Brazil formally notified Argentina last week and ended the mandate on January 15, with officials confirming the representation will not continue from Friday.
- Without a designated protecting power, the Argentine mission in Caracas faces curtailed consular channels, including passport services and checks on the ambassadorial residence.
- Argentina has explored Italy as a possible successor and Rome has elevated its diplomatic presence in Caracas, but no transfer of custodianship has been confirmed.
- Brazilian officials linked the decision to Argentina’s backing of the U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro and to ongoing disputes over recognition, deepening tensions between Javier Milei and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- Detained Argentines remain a central concern, with gendarme Nahuel Gallo and lawyer Germán Giuliani still reported in custody and dual national Yaacob Harari recently released.