Vzla: The ambassador resigns in protest against Chavez

Venezuela's U.N. ambassador said Thursday he was resigning to protest violations of human rights and threats to freedom in the South American nation.

Milos Alcalay, a career diplomat who has represented his country for 30 years, made his announcement at a news conference. Copies of a letter to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jesus Arnaldo Perez were handed out.

Alcalay said his diplomatic career had been guided by the principles of protecting human rights, operating through a transparent democratic process and supporting an open dialogue for international diplomacy.

"Sadly, Venezuela now is operating devoid of these fundamental principles, which I still remain intensely committed to. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart today that I am resigning from my position," he said in his statement.