Venezuela has formally notified the Organization of American States of its intention to leave the regional body amid sometimes violent protests at home and international calls for its embattled government to hold delayed elections and release prisoners. 
Venezuelan interim ambassador Carmen Velasquez submitted a letter announcing the move in Washington to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. The notice begins a two-year exit process from a Western Hemisphere bloc that had become a forum for its neighbors to exert pressure on Venezuela. 
"This is a historic moment that marks a new independence for Venezuela and the region," said Velasquez, adding that Venezuela would be the first country to leave the Washington-based bloc this way. "We are not going to be participating in any OAS activities". 
The decision to leave the OAS comes amid almost daily clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters that have left at least 28 people dead and hundreds injured.

Source: QNA