What Does This Mean? Venezuela Orders Three U.S. Diplomatic Officials Out Of The Country

(CNN) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday ordered three U.S. diplomatic officials expelled from the country, accusing them of conspiring against his government. (Facebook)

The announcement comes after the U.S. State Department expressed concerns about the state of affairs in Venezuela. Three anti-government protesters died in clashes last week in Caracas, and authorities have issued an arrest warrant for an opposition leader on charges including conspiracy and murder in connection with the violence.

"We are deeply concerned by rising tensions, by the violence surrounding this February 12 protest and by the issuing of a warrant for the arrest of the opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Saturday. "We join the secretary general of (the Organization of American States) in condemning the violence and calling on authorities to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the death of peaceful protesters."

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Is Violence Equals Voice?

Destruction of property and violence are the only voices of the powerless, Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele said on Sunday.  (Facebook)

"Destruction and violence are used by the powerless because they feel disrespected," she told her supporters in Ekangala, east of Pretoria. She visited Ekangala following violent protests in the area. "Before we condemn those who burn buildings, let us sit with them and hear what their concerns are," she said. Violence should however be not be condoned.

 "It is wrong to burn down public buildings and perpetrate violence. Those belong to you as the community." She said it was time to remove "the rats" from government. "Corruption destroys the economy and people's lives." Ramphele said South Africa's economy could grow at a rate of more than eight percent if the country was managed by a government committed to its people