US embassy does not rule out closure of Visa Unit in Caracas
The entrances to the Embassy were closed for security reasons (Photo: Reuters)
The escalating anti-US wording by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías led US Embassy officials in Venezuela to ponder the closure of Visa section in Caracas for security reasons, a source of the diplomatic representation reported.On Tuesday, the Non-immigrant Visas Unit in Caracas remained closed while a group of 25 government supporters protested at noon in front of the building. [emphasis added]According to an Embassy's statement, the reason for the closure was "a security check." However, the source warned that, in the future, the decision could be final."We are concerned about the security of more than 600 Venezuelans who come daily to do their paperwork to obtain a visa," said the source who added that the political climate, following the expulsion of US ambassador in Caracas Patrick Duddy, and of the longtime Americas director of Human Rights Watch, José Miguel Vivanco, besides the intensification of anti-US speech by President Chávez could prompt some supporters of the Venezuelan president to act aggressively against the diplomatic mission.