Spain 'against change of regime' in Venezuela

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell Fontelles said Spain and the EU are "against every kind of military intervention on Venezuela."

Borrell said "Spain does not want a change of regime" in Venezuela, but Venezuelans can freely express "who they want to govern them."

Borrell's remarks came in a news conference with his Cypriot colleague, Nikos Jristodulidis, in Nicosia before returning to Madrid to inform congressional deputies about the Venezuelan crisis.

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

Last week, Juan Guaido, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself president, a move immediately supported by Trump.

Maduro quickly shot back, cutting diplomatic relations with Washington and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

He 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.

Brazil and the Organization of American States recognized Guaido as Venezuela's leader prior to his formal announcement. Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay have followed suit.

Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro. Several South American countries, Russia, Turkey, China, and Iran have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.