Venezuela crisis: European states recognise Guaidó as president

2019-02-04 18:54:07

he UK, France, Germany, Spain and other European countries have officially recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela. It comes after President Nicolás Maduro defiantly rejected a deadline they set for Sunday to call fresh elections. Mr Guaidó declared himself interim leader last month and won US backing. Russia - a backer of Mr Maduro - accused EU countries of meddling in Venezuela's affairs. On Sunday Mr Maduro dismissed calls for a new presidential vote, saying he would not accept "ultimatums". He has denounced Mr Guaidó's move as a coup. As head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Mr Guaidó says the constitution allows him to assume power temporarily when the president is deemed illegitimate. AFP.