The countries that have recognized Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president have made a "serious mistake" that violates international law and, in doing so, created a dangerous precedent, the Venezuelan deputy minister of foreign relations for North America told Sputnik.
OTTAWA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) The countries that have recognized Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president have made a "serious mistake" that violates international law and, in doing so, created a dangerous precedent, the Venezuelan deputy minister of foreign relations for North America told Sputnik.
"Countries that have recognized a non-existent government made a serious diplomatic, political and moral mistake that contradicts the provisions of the UN Charter and, moreover, the constitution of Venezuela ... It creates a dangerous precedent in the region and suits those who are seeking to see intervention or conflict in our country," Carlos Ron Martinez said.
He expressed hope that these counties would change their stance and respect the decision made by people of Venezuela during the latest presidential election.
"We took action against the real enemy of the Venezuelan people � the extremist and belligerent government of [President] Donald Trump. We hope that countries, which have sacrificed their autonomy and obeyed to the policy of imperialism, will change their position and accept the desire expressed in May by the millions of Venezuelans who elected Nicolas Maduro as president," Martinez said.
A political crisis erupted in Venezuela after Guaido, the leader of the opposition-led Venezuelan National Authority, proclaimed himself the country's interim president in late January, contesting Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year. Maduro has accused Guaido of acting on Washington's instructions.
The Venezuelan opposition leader was recognized by the United States and several EU member states, among others. The European Union as a whole was expected to issue a joint statement recognizing Guaido, but Italy vetoed the motion, as a source in Brussels told Sputnik. Russia and China, as well as several other nations, have backed Maduro as the country's legitimate president and demanded respect for the principle of non-interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
