No civil war risk in Venezuela: Guaido

By Lokman Ilhan

CARACAS (AA) - Venezuela’s self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido said Thursday he rejects a civil war risk in Venezuela.

"The risk of a civil war in Venezuela does not exist, despite what certain people want to believe or want to let us believe," Guaido told Spain's El Pais newspaper.

He said 90 percent of the population wants a change in the country and acknowledged there is "a risk of violence" in Venezuela, adding that dozens of youths have been killed this week.

On Thursday, the European Parliament recognized Guaido in an official vote after a debate on developments in Venezuela.

The resolution recognized the opposition leader as the legitimate president in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.

Tension climbed when Guaido declared himself acting president Jan. 23.

Among those recognizing Guaido’s claim are the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay and the Organization of American States bloc.

Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.

Russia, China, and Iran also support Maduro, as does Turkey.

European heavyweights Britain, Germany, France, and Spain have called on Maduro to announce fresh elections to ease the crisis.