Germany may recognize Guido as Venezuela's leader
Germany is ready to recognize US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president unless new elections are held, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Friday.
"Venezuela needs free and fair elections now. In EU meetings, the German
government is now speaking out for recognizing Juan Guaido as interim
president of the country if such free and fair elections are not held swiftly," Seibert told journalists.
EU level talks on the Venezuela crisis were ongoing, said Seibert.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday that Berlin is "not
neutral, we stand on Guaido's side because we have big problems with recognising" the reelection of Nicolas Maduro.
"It is publicly known that there were so many election law violations that
one can only speak of a limited democratic vote."
Germany, among the other EU countries, is leaning towards the young Guaido as president. Graph: DPA
Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged
into uncertainty this week when Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president".
Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticized internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained
the loyalty of the powerful military.
SEE ALSO: Germany says wants new era in Venezuela after Chavez
Comments
See Also
"Venezuela needs free and fair elections now. In EU meetings, the German
government is now speaking out for recognizing Juan Guaido as interim
president of the country if such free and fair elections are not held swiftly," Seibert told journalists.
EU level talks on the Venezuela crisis were ongoing, said Seibert.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday that Berlin is "not
neutral, we stand on Guaido's side because we have big problems with recognising" the reelection of Nicolas Maduro.
"It is publicly known that there were so many election law violations that
one can only speak of a limited democratic vote."
Germany, among the other EU countries, is leaning towards the young Guaido as president. Graph: DPA
Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged
into uncertainty this week when Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president".
Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticized internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained
the loyalty of the powerful military.
SEE ALSO: Germany says wants new era in Venezuela after Chavez
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.