European leaders give Maduro ultimatum


FE Team | Published: January 26, 2019 19:38:29 | Updated: January 27, 2019 18:54:43


European leaders give Maduro ultimatum

The leaders of Spain, Germany and France have warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro he must call elections within eight days - or they will recognise the opposition.

Mr Maduro is under pressure after his rival Juan Guaidó declared himself "acting president" on Wednesday, amid large-scale anti-Maduro protests.

Several countries, including the US, say they back Mr Guaidó as president, reports BBC.

Mr Maduro has accused him of mounting a coup, and cut ties with the US.

President Maduro was sworn in for a second term earlier this month, after polls marred by an opposition boycott and allegations of vote-rigging.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter: "Spain has a responsibility to Latin America... we do not seek to change or remove governments, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."

France and Germany also issued similar statements, in what looked like a co-ordinated demand that elections be held in Venezuela.

A UN Security Council meeting on the crisis is also due to be held on Saturday.

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