Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has announced his country is breaking diplomatic and commercial ties with Panama. He cited what he calls a US-led "conspiracy" against him.
In a speech to mark the anniversary of the death of President Hugo Chavez, Maduro said his decision aimed to defend the sovereignty of Venezuela. The announcement comes after Panama sought a meeting with regional diplomats to discuss the month-long protests in Venezuela.
In response, Panama says it rejects what it calls Maduro’s "unacceptable offenses" against it. Panama says it just want Venezuela to restore peace.
