UK officially recognises opposition leader in Venezuela as interim President as tension grows
The United Kingdom has officially recognised Juan Guaidó, Venezuela opposition leader, as the interim president amongst growing tension in the region.
The recognition backs up the stance of the USA and other European countries which oppose the Russia and China-backed president Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro defied international calls for a snap election, ignoring the imposed deadline.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt Tweeted: “Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set.
“So the UK, alongside European allies, now recognises Guaidó as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held.
“Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis.”
He also criticised Maduro and his allies: “oppression of the illegitimate, kleptocratic Maduro regime must end.
“Russia has an opportunity to choose a different path over the next 6 months, but if Moscow chooses to keep undermining the international rules based system, UK & allies are clear that Russia alone is responsible for the demise of the INF Treaty”
Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin America department at Russia’s foreign ministry, said: “The international community’s goal should be to help, without destructive meddling from beyond its borders.”
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “From today, we will spare no effort in helping all Venezuelans achieve freedom, prosperity and harmony.”
Mr Maduro was asked on Sunday whether he thought the current tensions could result in civil war for Venezuela.
He said: “Today no-one could answer that question with certainty.”
Maduro’s election in 2018 was challenged by countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Canada, France, USA, and Germany.
Military-watch website Already Happened has released unconfirmed footage of Brazilian military movements, supposedly in response to the threat.
The video shared on their Twitter account purportedly depicts “German made Flakpanzer Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns along the border with Venezuela.”
By Tom Jarvis
