Belgium calls for ‘credible’ elections in Venezuela

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) – Belgium’s foreign minister on Friday called for “credible” elections in Venezuela.

Didier Reynders told the press at UN headquarters in New York that his country supports Venezuela's National Assembly, saying that a peaceful political process should precipitate elections.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself “interim president” Wednesday following mass demonstrations across Venezuela over the country’s economic crisis, invoking a clause in the Venezuelan Constitution.

The announcement was followed by a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump recognizing Guaido as the country’s acting president.

Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay followed suit while Bolivia and Mexico continued to recognize the country’s elected president, Nicolas Maduro.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence made a telephone call to Guaido the night before he declared himself interim president. Pence promised that the U.S. would support Guaido if he took control of the government.

Maduro slammed Washington’s decision to recognize Guaido, saying his country was cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S. and giving American diplomats three days to leave the country.

The U.S. immediately responded by refusing to heed Maduro's demand but later called back all non-essential personnel from Venezuela.