Washington has its first ambassador to Venezuela in a decade despite the US having no diplomats at its Caracas embassy amid a breakdown in relations. James Story’s nomination as ambassador to Venezuela was confirmed Wednesday by a US Senate voice vote. The South Carolina native takes the job that he will carry out from the capital of neighboring Colombia as Venezuela endures a historic economic and political crisis. By Scott Smith. Full Text -> TheBostonGlobe

“I think that what Ambassador Abrams said was misinterpreted. What he meant was that all options remain on the table. It is clear that Venezuela represents a threat to the region and the United States, especially because of its relationship with Iran, a state that promotes terrorism, illegal armed groups such as the FARC or the ELN, and drug traffickers.” By José Gregorio Martínez. Full Text-> PanamPost