CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb 5 (NNN-LATAM) – Venezuela’s foreign ministry, rejected several European countries’ decision, to recognise opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as interim president.
Those countries “are officially adopting the strategy of the U.S. administration, to overthrow the legitimate government of President Nicolas Maduro,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, in a statement.
Such a decision “is in open violation of the principles and practices that govern diplomatic ties, setting a dangerous precedent for peaceful coexistence between nations,” said the ministry.
Venezuela said, it will review its bilateral ties with those countries until there is a “rectification that discards their support for the coup plans.”
“The degree of subordination” the European countries are showing to Washington “is alarming,” the ministry said.
It warned that, Washington’s backing of the opposition leader threatens “the peace and stability of the entire region.”
Germany, Spain, France, Britain and Sweden are among the European countries that decided to endorse Guaido and his call for a new round of presidential race in the country.
The countries had earlier given Maduro an “ultimatum” to call for elections.
Political tensions in Venezuela between the ruling socialist party and Washington-backed conservative opposition groups came to a head, after Maduro was sworn in to a new term on Jan 10.
The opposition, which largely boycotted the presidential elections in May, refuses to recognise Maduro’s reelection win.
The White House followed up its recognition of Guaido by slapping sanctions on Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA, to cut off Maduro’s access to vital revenue.
On Monday, Maduro appealed to the “independent governments of the world” to reject the U.S.-backed efforts to oust him from power.
Earlier, Trump told media “all options are on the table” regarding Venezuela.
“Donald Trump’s threats violate the United Nations charter, which prohibits the threat of the use of force or the use of force against any country,” said Maduro.
Maduro broke off diplomatic ties with the United States after Trump recognised Guaido.
At the Turiamo naval base in Aragua state, he urged the military to remain united amid mounting pressure from the opposition.– NNN-LATAM
