Caracas, Feb 24 (IANS) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared to sever diplomatic and political relations with neighbouring Colombia, following the latter's support for Venezuela's right-wing opposition and military defectors.

"I have decided to break off all types of political and diplomatic ties with the fascist government of Colombia," Xinhua quoted Maduro as saying to a pro-government rally in Caracas on Saturday.

Colombia's embassy staff must "leave within 24 hours," he added.

So far, the Colombian government has not responded to Maduro's declaration.

--IANS vin/