VietJoy

Venezuela is expecting the European Union to take a more objective stance on events in the country after reversing its decision to expel the bloc's ambassador.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told local media Thursday that Caracas was making "a gesture" in order "not to hinder the dialogue with the European Union." He said the government hopes "therefore, that there will also be gestures from Europe to have a much more objective position on the events in our country."

President Nicolas Maduro said the decision to rescind the expulsion was made after a joint communiqué was issued calling for a new stage of dialogue between EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Arreza.

Maduro on Monday gave EU ambassador Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa 72 hours to leave the country, in response to European sanctions against 11 Venezuelans including a travel ban and a freeze on assets.

Borrell condemned the expulsion, saying the EU would call Venezuela's envoy to the bloc.

Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament criticized the attempt to expel the EU ambassador as an "unacceptable expulsion."