By Yusuf Ozcan
PARIS (AA) - The French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reiterated Friday the country’s support for Venezuela’s self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido.
“We support the National Assembly of Venezuela and its president which is elected by people,” Le Drian said at a news conference.
“We strongly urge [President] Nicolas Maduro to avoid oppression and violence against peaceful demonstrators.”
His comments came a day after French President Emmanuel Macron also supported voiced support for Guaido.
"After the illegitimate election of Nicolas Maduro in May 2018, Europe has supported the re-establishment of democracy,” Macron said in a tweet. “I praise the courage of the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who are marching for their liberty."
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Maduro slammed a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to support Guaido and said his country was cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S., giving American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.
Brazil and the Organization of American States recognized Guaido as Venezuela's leader prior to his formal announcement of taking over the post. Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay have followed suit while Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.
Maduro has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S., saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced support for Maduro.