Arson wrecks Venezuelan embassy in St Kitts

Arson demolished the Venezuelan Embassy and damaged offices used by the Organization of American States in St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday in what the prime minister said today was a politically motivated attack, the Associated Press reported.

Both fires at the buildings in Bassettere, on the island of St. Kitts, occurred in the pre-dawn darkness yesterday. Authorities responded to the fire at the OAS offices around midnight, and were called out to the nearby embassy several hours later, AP said.

The Venezuelan Embassy was reduced to rubble while the OAS office sustained only minor damage. No one was injured in either fire.

Police Inspector Lyndon David said two men, whose names were not released, were in custody but had not been charged, the Associated Press said.

But Prime Minister Denzil Douglas said the fires occurred after a political demonstration by allies of the opposition Unity Party and he blamed them for what he called “extreme political tactics” aimed at destabilizing the government.