Venezuela says it will split from OAS as unrest continues

Euan McKirdy
By Natalie Gallón, Stefano Pozzebon and Euan McKirdy, CNN
Updated 3:42 AM EDT, Thu April 27, 2017
Venezuela in the News
Demonstrators clash with the riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on April 20, 2017. Venezuelan riot police fired tear gas Thursday at groups of protesters seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who have vowed new mass marches after a day of deadly unrest. Police in western Caracas broke up scores of opposition protesters trying to join a larger march, though there was no immediate repeat of Wednesday's violent clashes, which left three people dead. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO (Photo credit should read JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images)
Demonstrators clash with the riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on April 20, 2017. Venezuelan riot police fired tear gas Thursday at groups of protesters seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who have vowed new mass marches after a day of deadly unrest. Police in western Caracas broke up scores of opposition protesters trying to join a larger march, though there was no immediate repeat of Wednesday's violent clashes, which left three people dead. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO (Photo credit should read JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Story highlights

Foreign minister: Unprecedented move will take two years

OAS members had called for special meeting before announcement

Caracas, Venezuela CNN  — 

Venezuela will withdraw from the Organization of American States (OAS), according to its foreign minister, who announced the decision on national television.

Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez told VTV state television Wednesday that the beleaguered country, which is facing huge civil unrest, would take the unprecedented step of leaving the pan-American organization over what it sees as attempts by foreign governments to interfere in its affairs by siding with the opposition in the latest wave of protests in the country.

“In the OAS, we announced that if these intrusive, arbitrary, illicit, misdirected and rude actions were to persist against the sovereignty of our country, we would immediately proceed to denounce the letter of OAS and to initiate the definite withdrawal of Venezuela form this regional organization,” Rodriguez said.

She added that the government will formally announce its withdrawal from the group, and that she expects the process to take two years.

The move comes as Venezuela experiences civil unrest. Protests, which have been ongoing for months, escalated in April and have resulted in dozens of deaths. The unrest stems from dissatisfaction with the government, which has been accused of economic mismanagement resulting in huge shortages of daily essentials like food and medicine.

Venezuela’s attorney general said Wednesday that at least 28 people have been killed since the unrest erupted at the beginning of April. This number includes many cases unrelated to the political unrest, including incidents of looting, CNN has found. Of the 28, 13 people were killed in relation to the protests.

Special meeting called

Nineteen of the 35 OAS member countries called for a special meeting in Washington Wednesday afternoon on the current situation in Venezuela, a further step on the road toward sanctions.

“OAS Council approves resolution to convene Meeting of Consultation of Foreign Ministers on Situation in Venezuela,” OAS posted on their official account. The meeting was approved by a roll-call vote.

Rodriguez, the foreign minister, had threatened a day prior that if this meeting of foreign ministers took place, Venezuela would start the process to withdraw.

The OAS has been debating Venezuela’s compliance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter over the past few weeks. The OAS secretary general and key member states had voiced serious concern regarding the humanitarian crisis that Venezuela is facing, with basic food and medical supplies in drastically short supply.

03:37 - Source: CNN
Lilian Tintori: Survival of Venezuela at stake

Venezuela: How paradise got lost

Tumultuous times

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s presidency has endured strife since he was narrowly elected as the heir apparent of firebrand socialist former President Hugo Chavez. Less than a year after winning the presidency in July 2013, protests in response to economic problems and a spike in crime erupted, resulting in several deaths.

Since then he has overseen a tumultuous time in Venezuela’s history, culminating in a January 2016 declaration of a state of “economic emergency.”

The country’s economic woes are rooted in falling oil prices, plummeting currency rates, power struggles within the government, the looming possibility of default and ongoing food shortages.

01:55 - Source: CNN
11 killed overnight as Venezuela erupts in chaos

Late last year tensions between the government and the opposition were sky high after a drive to hold a recall referendum on Maduro by opposition lawmakers was halted.

Venezuelan food crisis reflected in skipped meals and weight loss

Since the beginning of April, massive protests have formed in the capital Caracas and other major cities calling for Maduro’s resignation, and for the government to set a date for the delayed state elections.

Maduro has, in turn, sent the country’s national guards to protect the streets.

Wednesday was another day of marches as both pro-government and opposition groups took to the streets of Caracas. While the opposition march was blocked by national guard tanks, pro-government groups were able to conclude activities undisturbed.

The marches were not as big as the one that occurred earlier in April, but repression and teargas were still dispersed, causing a slight injury to CNN Español’s cameraman, amongst others. The metro shut down of all public transport and two civilians were confirmed dead.

Alongside the deaths since unrest erupted at the beginning of April, hundreds of people injured and more than a thousand detained.

A costumed demonstrator in Caracas, Venezuela, protests the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday, August 6. Unrest continued to sweep through the country after a<a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/04/americas/venezuela-assembly-first-day/index.html" target="_blank"> new legislative assembly was inaugurated</a> following a controversial election on July 30. The new assembly has wide-ranging powers and is expected to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution at Maduro's behest. Opposition supporters, who see the vote as a power grab and an erosion of democracy, boycotted and staged demonstrations against the vote.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Wil Riera/AP
A costumed demonstrator in Caracas, Venezuela, protests the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday, August 6. Unrest continued to sweep through the country after a new legislative assembly was inaugurated following a controversial election on July 30. The new assembly has wide-ranging powers and is expected to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution at Maduro's behest. Opposition supporters, who see the vote as a power grab and an erosion of democracy, boycotted and staged demonstrations against the vote.
Soldiers stop a vehicle and detain its passengers on the Paramacay military base in Valencia, Venezuela, on August 6. According to authorities, two people were killed when <a href="http://us.cnn.com/2017/08/06/americas/venezuela-unrest/index.html" target="_blank">an anti-government paramilitary attack was quelled</a> at the base.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Juan Carlos Hernandez/AP
Soldiers stop a vehicle and detain its passengers on the Paramacay military base in Valencia, Venezuela, on August 6. According to authorities, two people were killed when an anti-government paramilitary attack was quelled at the base.
Anti-government activists stand near a flaming barricade in Valencia on August 6.
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RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-government activists stand near a flaming barricade in Valencia on August 6.
A man is arrested in Valencia during clashes between anti-government activists and the National Guard on August 6.
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RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
A man is arrested in Valencia during clashes between anti-government activists and the National Guard on August 6.
Members of the Venezuelan armed forces fly over Valencia in a helicopter while citizens demonstrate in support of a group that staged a paramilitary uprising at the Paramacay military base on August 6.
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STR/EFE/EPA
Members of the Venezuelan armed forces fly over Valencia in a helicopter while citizens demonstrate in support of a group that staged a paramilitary uprising at the Paramacay military base on August 6.
Venezuela's Chief Prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz, third from left, is surrounded by employees of the General Prosecutor's office as she is <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/05/americas/venezuela-attorney-general/index.html" target="_blank">barred by security forces from entering her office</a> in Caracas on Saturday, August 5.
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Wil Riera/AP
Venezuela's Chief Prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz, third from left, is surrounded by employees of the General Prosecutor's office as she is barred by security forces from entering her office in Caracas on Saturday, August 5.
Diosdado Cabello, a member of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, holds an image of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez as delegates gather for a group photo following their swearing-in ceremony on Friday, August 4.
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Ariana Cubillos/AP
Diosdado Cabello, a member of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, holds an image of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez as delegates gather for a group photo following their swearing-in ceremony on Friday, August 4.
Opposition activists protest against the newly inaugurated National Constituent Assembly on August 4.
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RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists protest against the newly inaugurated National Constituent Assembly on August 4.
A woman in Caracas attends a vigil Monday, July 31, for anti-government activists who have died in the country's recent unrest. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/01/americas/venezuela-election-unrest/index.html">More than 120 people have been killed in Venezuela </a>since early April, according to the attorney general's office.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
A woman in Caracas attends a vigil Monday, July 31, for anti-government activists who have died in the country's recent unrest. More than 120 people have been killed in Venezuela since early April, according to the attorney general's office.
Opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens addresses a rally in Caracas on July 31. Two other leading opposition figures, Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma,<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/01/americas/venezuela-election-unrest/index.html"> were rounded up from their homes,</a> according to their families.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/Newscom/EFE
Opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens addresses a rally in Caracas on July 31. Two other leading opposition figures, Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma, were rounded up from their homes, according to their families.
Maduro celebrates the results of a national vote on Sunday, July 30. His opponents boycotted the election and demonstrated against it for weeks, saying he orchestrated it to get around the existing National Assembly, which the opposition has controlled since 2015. Maduro has argued that the Constituent Assembly will help bring peace to a polarized country, with all branches of the government falling under the political movement founded by his late mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Maduro celebrates the results of a national vote on Sunday, July 30. His opponents boycotted the election and demonstrated against it for weeks, saying he orchestrated it to get around the existing National Assembly, which the opposition has controlled since 2015. Maduro has argued that the Constituent Assembly will help bring peace to a polarized country, with all branches of the government falling under the political movement founded by his late mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
Members of Venezuela's national police are caught in an explosion as they ride motorcycles near Altamira Square in Caracas on July 30. Venezuela <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/09/americas/venezuela-violin-protester/" target="_blank">has seen widespread unrest</a> since March 29, when the Supreme Court dissolved Parliament and transferred all legislative powers to itself. The decision was later reversed, but protests have continued across the country, which is also in the midst of an economic crisis.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EFE/EPA
Members of Venezuela's national police are caught in an explosion as they ride motorcycles near Altamira Square in Caracas on July 30. Venezuela has seen widespread unrest since March 29, when the Supreme Court dissolved Parliament and transferred all legislative powers to itself. The decision was later reversed, but protests have continued across the country, which is also in the midst of an economic crisis.
A wounded anti-government demonstrator is helped by medics during clashes with police in Caracas on July 30.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
A wounded anti-government demonstrator is helped by medics during clashes with police in Caracas on July 30.
A demonstrator shouts slogans through a traffic cone during an anti-government protest in Caracas on July 30.
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Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A demonstrator shouts slogans through a traffic cone during an anti-government protest in Caracas on July 30.
A protester wounded by a pellet gun receives attention July 30 during a demonstration against the vote for a Constituent Assembly.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ/EFE/EPA
A protester wounded by a pellet gun receives attention July 30 during a demonstration against the vote for a Constituent Assembly.
A member of the National Guard fires at protesters during clashes in Caracas on Friday, July 28.
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Carlos Becerra/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A member of the National Guard fires at protesters during clashes in Caracas on Friday, July 28.
A demonstrator dressed as Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar is silhouetted against a national flag in Caracas on Monday, July 24.
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Fernando Llano/AP
A demonstrator dressed as Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar is silhouetted against a national flag in Caracas on Monday, July 24.
Venezuelan police Officer Oscar Perez joins in an anti-government protest in Caracas on Thursday, July 13. Perez allegedly piloted a stolen police <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/27/americas/venezuela-supreme-court-helicopter-grenade-attack/index.html">helicopter used to attack the Venezuelan Supreme Court</a> with grenades on June 27.
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INAKI ZUGASTI/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuelan police Officer Oscar Perez joins in an anti-government protest in Caracas on Thursday, July 13. Perez allegedly piloted a stolen police helicopter used to attack the Venezuelan Supreme Court with grenades on June 27.
Venezuelan lawmakers Luis Stefanelli, left, and Jose Regnault appear stunned in a corridor of the National Assembly after <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/05/americas/venezuela-indepedence-day-clashes/index.html" target="_blank">a clash with demonstrators</a> in Caracas on Wednesday, July 5. Supporters of Maduro stormed the building and attacked opposition lawmakers, witnesses said. At least seven legislative employees and five lawmakers were injured, according to National Assembly President Julio Borges. Journalists said they were also assaulted.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EPA
Venezuelan lawmakers Luis Stefanelli, left, and Jose Regnault appear stunned in a corridor of the National Assembly after a clash with demonstrators in Caracas on Wednesday, July 5. Supporters of Maduro stormed the building and attacked opposition lawmakers, witnesses said. At least seven legislative employees and five lawmakers were injured, according to National Assembly President Julio Borges. Journalists said they were also assaulted.
National Guard members clash with deputies of the National Assembly in the Parliament's courtyard in Caracas on Tuesday, June 27.
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STRINGER/EFE/EPA
National Guard members clash with deputies of the National Assembly in the Parliament's courtyard in Caracas on Tuesday, June 27.
A boy runs under a national flag during a June 27 protest in Caracas.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A boy runs under a national flag during a June 27 protest in Caracas.
Protesters tear down a fence at the La Carlota airbase outside Caracas on Friday, June 23. A soldier <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/23/americas/venezuela-protest-shooting-video/index.html">shot a demonstrator through the fence </a>at the base on the previous day, killing him.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Ariana Cubillos/AP
Protesters tear down a fence at the La Carlota airbase outside Caracas on Friday, June 23. A soldier shot a demonstrator through the fence at the base on the previous day, killing him.
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Protester David Jose Vallenilla is shot through a fence by a member of the National Guard near a military base in Caracas on Thursday, June 22. Vallenilla later died in the hospital after suffering three gunshot wounds to the chest.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Miguel Gutiérrez/Newscom/EFE/Newscom
Protester David Jose Vallenilla is shot through a fence by a member of the National Guard near a military base in Caracas on Thursday, June 22. Vallenilla later died in the hospital after suffering three gunshot wounds to the chest.
Maduro holds up a copy of the Venezuelan constitution during a news conference at the presidential palace in Caracas on June 22. Maduro has called for changes to the constitution amid the unrest.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Maduro holds up a copy of the Venezuelan constitution during a news conference at the presidential palace in Caracas on June 22. Maduro has called for changes to the constitution amid the unrest.
A protester hides behind a barrier in Caracas on June 22.
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MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EFE/EPA
A protester hides behind a barrier in Caracas on June 22.
An opposition activist displays bullet shells during an anti-government demonstration on Monday, June 19.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
An opposition activist displays bullet shells during an anti-government demonstration on Monday, June 19.
People flee during a clash between opposition demonstrators and riot police in Caracas on June 19.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
People flee during a clash between opposition demonstrators and riot police in Caracas on June 19.
Opposition activists aim projectiles toward riot police during a demonstration on June 19.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists aim projectiles toward riot police during a demonstration on June 19.
Demonstrators stand in front of a police vehicle on June 19.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators stand in front of a police vehicle on June 19.
A street in eastern Caracas is painted with the names of people killed during more than two months of protests.
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LUIS ROBAYO/AFP/Getty Images
A street in eastern Caracas is painted with the names of people killed during more than two months of protests.
During a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/12/americas/venezuela-grandparents-march/" target="_blank">"Grandparents' March"</a> in Caracas, a man is blocked by police from reaching the Government Ombudsman's Office on Friday, May 12.
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Ariana Cubillos/AP
During a "Grandparents' March" in Caracas, a man is blocked by police from reaching the Government Ombudsman's Office on Friday, May 12.
Opposition activists scuffle with riot police in Caracas on May 12.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists scuffle with riot police in Caracas on May 12.
Thousands of Venezuelan protesters march on a Caracas highway on Wednesday, May 10.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Thousands of Venezuelan protesters march on a Caracas highway on Wednesday, May 10.
Opposition activists clash with riot police in Caracas on Monday, May 8.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists clash with riot police in Caracas on Monday, May 8.
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An armored National Guard vehicle <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/05/americas/venezuela-unrest-tank/" target="_blank">runs over a protester</a> in Caracas on Wednesday, May 3. The protester, 22-year-old Pedro Michell Yaminne, survived, his mother told CNN. Interior and justice minister Nestor Reverol told reporters that the "lamentable" incident was under investigation. He said that moments before Yaminne was run over, demonstrators hurled a Molotov cocktail at the armored vehicle, opened the side door and "brutally assaulted" the driver.
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FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
An armored National Guard vehicle runs over a protester in Caracas on Wednesday, May 3. The protester, 22-year-old Pedro Michell Yaminne, survived, his mother told CNN. Interior and justice minister Nestor Reverol told reporters that the "lamentable" incident was under investigation. He said that moments before Yaminne was run over, demonstrators hurled a Molotov cocktail at the armored vehicle, opened the side door and "brutally assaulted" the driver.
A demonstrator catches fire during protests in Caracas on May 3. It happened as protesters clashed with police and the gas tank of a police motorcycle exploded. Other photos from the scene showed the man being attended for burns to his body.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator catches fire during protests in Caracas on May 3. It happened as protesters clashed with police and the gas tank of a police motorcycle exploded. Other photos from the scene showed the man being attended for burns to his body.
A demonstrator stands in front of an armored vehicle during protests in Caracas on Wednesday, April 19.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator stands in front of an armored vehicle during protests in Caracas on Wednesday, April 19.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles reacts to tear gas during a protest on April 19.
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RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles reacts to tear gas during a protest on April 19.
Riot police clash with demonstrators while tear gas fills the air in Caracas on April 19.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police clash with demonstrators while tear gas fills the air in Caracas on April 19.
Rescue workers tend to a demonstrator hit by a tear gas canister during anti-government protests on April 19.
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Fernando Llano/AP
Rescue workers tend to a demonstrator hit by a tear gas canister during anti-government protests on April 19.
A demonstrator reacts during a march in Caracas on Saturday, April 15.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator reacts during a march in Caracas on Saturday, April 15.
A protester suffering from the effects of tear gas is carried away on Thursday, April 13.
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Fernando Llano/AP
A protester suffering from the effects of tear gas is carried away on Thursday, April 13.
Clouds of tear gas spread across a highway in Caracas during clashes on Monday, April 10.
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Clouds of tear gas spread across a highway in Caracas during clashes on Monday, April 10.
Demonstrators help a journalist whose leg was injured while covering clashes in Caracas on April 10.
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Ariana Cubillos/AP
Demonstrators help a journalist whose leg was injured while covering clashes in Caracas on April 10.
Thousands of demonstrators protest against Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, April 8.
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CARLOS BECERRA/AFP/Getty Images
Thousands of demonstrators protest against Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, April 8.
Venezuelan police line up before clashing with opposition activists on Thursday, April 6.
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JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuelan police line up before clashing with opposition activists on Thursday, April 6.
Demonstrators fight with national police officers in Caracas on Tuesday, April 4.
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Fernando Llano/AP
Demonstrators fight with national police officers in Caracas on Tuesday, April 4.

Venezuela asks UN for help as medicine shortages grow severe

What is the OAS?

The OAS, in its current form, came into being in 1948 and aims to promote “an order of peace and justice, to promote (member countries’) solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence,” according to its mission statement.

On Wednesday, its representatives met in Washington and approved the resolution to convene the special meeting to discuss the situation in Venezuela, according to a statement on the OAS website.

In her speech, Rodriguez clarified “that Venezuela will not participate in activities, no events, where there will be intervention from these groups of countries that are only looking to disturb the stability and the peace of our country.”

Venezuela is a founding member of the OAS and and this is the first time a state has initiated withdrawal procedures since the organization was founded.

In her speech, Rodriguez accused Brazil of operating as a “dictatorship,” in reference to the ouster of former president Dilma Rousseff, along with mention of Colombia’s “internal displaced who have sought refuge in Venezuela due to the violence,” Mexico for its ongoing violence related to narco-trafficking, and Argentina, for what she described as serving an invasive agenda in Venezuela.

The opposition has called for an open parliamentary session later this week.

Both pro- and anti-government groups are planning demonstrations May 1, to mark International Workers Day.

Opinion: What the world needs to do about Venezuela

CNN’s Natalie Gallon reported and wrote from Atlanta, and Euan McKirdy wrote from Hong Kong. Journalist Stefano Pozzebon reported and wrote from Caracas.