7:25 p.m. EST, January 9, 2012

Venezuelans in South Florida, saying they need someone in their Miami embassy they can trust, praised Sunday's decision by the U.S. to expel their country's consul general.
The Obama administration gave Livia Acosta Noguera until Tuesday to leave after allegations surfaced that she discussed possible cyber-attacks against the U.S. while stationed at the Venezuelan embassy in Mexico.
The leaders of three local organizations that work with Venezuelans in exile said they became extremely concerned early last year when the consul asked some people to produce asylum documents in order to register to vote in Venezuela's presidential election. Venezuelans abroad can vote at their consul's office.


The move to expel Acosta follows an FBI investigation into allegations that were part of a documentary aired by Univision last month."People are basically outraged because in general people are expecting the consul would be a person to help Venezuelans outside of the country," said Elio Aponte, president of the Organization of Venezuelans in Exile in Miami. "We are upset because this lady does not represent the real sentiment of Venezuelans."

The documentary, "The Iranian Threat," was based on recordings of conversations between her and other officials. It also alleged that Cuban and Iranian diplomatic missions were involved.
According to the documentary, Acosta discussed a possible cyber-attack against the U.S. government. Citing audio and video obtained by the students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Univision said Acosta was seeking information about the servers of nuclear power plants in the U.S.
After the documentary aired, the State Department called the allegations "very disturbing."
Some have said the incident highlights Iranian influence in Latin America.
Patricia Andrade, director of human rights at the Miami-based Venezuela Awareness Foundation, was among the leaders who had requested Acosta be dismissed.
"I agree with the decision of the State Department one hundred percent," said Andrade.
Janette Gonzalez, director of Miami-based Venezolanos Perseguidos Politicos en el Exilio, also thought it was time for Acosta to go.
Gonzalez had rallied in front of the consulate's office last year calling for Acosta's removal and had alerted the State Department, she said.
Gonzalez, who left Venezuela nine years ago, said the great thing about living in the United States is she can raise concerns about a diplomat without having to worry about backlash.
"There are many in Venezuela who can't say anything about this type of information," she said.
Natalia Cabrera, 40, a Weston resident who left Venezuela at 19, said it seemed Acosta was getting a slap on the wrist.
"These are serious allegations," she said. "Someone should be prosecuted."
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expelled the American ambassador to Venezuela in September 2008 after saying the U.S. was backing a group of military officers plotting a coup against him.
In response, the U.S. expelled the Venezuelan ambassador. Neither post has been filled.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Geast@tribune.com or 954-572-2078