In an ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Britain, France, Spain, and Germany have said they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president unless he calls for elections.
In tweets published on Saturday, the leaders of France and Spain, Emmanuel Macron and Pedro Sanchez, said they would recognise Guado as “president in charge” if Venezuela is not given free elections.
“If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president”, said Sanchez.
In a statement, the EU’s foreign police chief Federica Mogherini also urged for Venezuela to hold free, transparent and credible presidential elections “in accordance with international democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order.”
“In the absence of an announcement on the organisation of fresh elections with the necessary guarantees over the next days, the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country’s leadership in line with article 233 of the Venezuelan constitution,” she said.
Pressure is mounting on Maduro to hold new elections. The United States, Canada, and other South American countries have already recognised Guaido as acting president of Venezuela.
Opposition leader Juan Guaido has proclaimed himself Venezuela’s legitimate head of state, promising a political amnesty to those who come over to his side.
At a UN Security Council meeting, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged members to recognise Guaido as interim president.
Venezuela’s defense attache to the United States, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, has broken with the Maduro government, declaring free and fair elections were needed.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed US calls for him to leave office accusing Washington of attempting to stage a coup.
Maduro said he welcomed the planned debate on Venezuela at the UN Security Council calling it an opportunity to reveal the truth.
“They put together a coup attempt, an international coup,” he said. “There is a media coup against Venezuela…”
“I am committed to national dialogue, today, tomorrow and always. I will be committed and ready to go wherever I personally have to go.”
But Russia supports the Venezuelan President and has sent military advisors into the region.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into alleged excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces against anti-Maduro protesters, expressing “extreme concern” that the situation could rapidly spiral out of control.
Maduro’s reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally, but he has retained the loyalty of the powerful military. – Euronews.
