Canada represents Israeli interests in Venezuela

The Canadian Embassy has begun representing Israel’s diplomatic and consular interests in Venezuela. This follows the suspension of diplomatic ties between the two countries in January 2009 by President Hugo Chávez and the expulsion of Israel’s ambassador in Caracas. In addition to relaying diplomatic communications between Israel and Venezuela, Canada will also provide consular services for Israeli citizens or those seeking to travel to Israel. Since January, Venezuelans Jews lacking Israeli passports had to travel to either Bogota, Colombia or Miami to request a visa.

Venezuelan Jews last week said that the Chávez government has stopped issuing visas for Israelis seeking to visit the South American nation. The leftist president has repeatedly adopted a strident tone against Israel, often equating it with his other foe, the United States. At the same time, Chávez has forged close relations with countries such as Iran, Libya and Syria. Earlier this year, he told the Arab news channel ‘Al-Jazeera’ that there were no plans to resume diplomatic relations with Israel until the latter reconsidered its "genocidal attitude."