CARACAS/ASUNCION (Reuters) -Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with Paraguay on Monday, with Paraguay expelling Venezuela's diplomats in the country in return, a day after Paraguayan President Santiago Pena expressed support for Venezuela's opposition.

Venezuela announced the break of diplomatic relations with Paraguay after Paraguayan President Santiago Peña refused to recognize Nicolás Maduro’s victory in

On January 6, Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Paraguay and recalled its diplomats from the country, Azernews reports. "Venezuela, fully exercising its sovereignty, has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Republic of Paraguay and immediately withdraw its diplomatic staff accredited in that country," the statement said.

Venezuela has broken off its diplomatic relations with Paraguay after the latter expresses support for the Venezuelan opposition, which it claimed to be the winner of the Venezuela’s presidential elections.

Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay after Paraguay's President Santiago Pena backed Venezuela's opposition, recognizing Edmundo Gonzalez as the presidential election winner. Despite evidence of Gonzalez's win,