US President, Donald Trump say he recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s interim president.
Trump said president Nicolas Maduro is “illegitimate” and recognizes the National Assembly, headed by Guaido, is “the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people.”
Guaido dcelared himself acting President during a mass demonstration against President Maduro.
Trump said: “The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law,” he said.
He also promised to “use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.”
He also said he was holding Maduro responsible for the tensions in the country.
“We continue to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime directly responsible for any threats it may pose to the safety of the Venezuelan people.”