Mexico, Bolivia back Maduro as Venezuela President

By Emre Aytekin

CARACAS, Venezuela (AA) - Mexico and Bolivia on Wednesday announced support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington recognized opposition-controlled National Assembly's President Juan Guaido as interim president.

Bolivian President Juan Evo Morales Ayma expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, saying Venezuela is facing an "imperialist attack", on Twitter.

He went on to say: "Our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and @Nicolas Maduro, in these decisive hours when the claws of imperialism are once again trying to deal a death blow on democracy and self-determination on the peoples of South America. We will not be the backyard of the U.S. again."

Additionally, Mexico will continue to recognize Maduro as president, Mexican presidential spokesman Jesus Ramirez Cuevas said Wednesday on Mexico's Milenio TV.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Washington recognizes opposition leader Guaido as interim president.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has slammed the decision and said his country was cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S., giving American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Maduro made the announcement while speaking to supporters who gathered in the Presidential Palace in the capital of Caracas.