DHAKA: Venezuela has expelled Panama`s ambassador and three other diplomats amid growing tensions over opposition protests.

The officials were given 48 hours to leave the country, reports BBC.

It comes a day after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro broke diplomatic relations and froze economic ties with Panama.

At least 20 people have died in anti-government protests in Venezuela in the last month.

Mr Maduro has accused Panama of conspiring to bring down his government.

The latest fallout comes after the Central American nation requested a meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss Venezuela`s crisis.

"There are moves by the United States government in accord with a lackey government of a right-wing president which has been creating the conditions for the OAS and other bodies to step towards an intervention in our country," Mr Maduro said earlier this week.

BDST: 1151 HRS, MAR 07, 2014