UPDATE - Turkish FM says US intervenes in Venezuelan politics

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH FM

By Ecenur Colak

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's foreign minister on Thursday said the U.S. has repeatedly interfered with the domestic politics of Venezuela.

"Unfortunately, recently the U.S. and some Latin American countries have repeatedly intervened in the internal affairs of Venezuela," Mevlut Cavusoglu told news channel A Haber in an interview.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of the country, marking the most significant escalation in the ongoing feud between Washington and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.

Cavusoglu said that it was "very strange" that Venezuela's National Assembly leader declared himself as interim president despite the country has an elected president.

“And some countries recognized him [the interim president]. This situation may lead to a chaos,” he said.

Stating that the country is among the most beautiful ones in the world in terms of its natural wealth, Cavusoglu said that Venezuela fell behind in using them until today.

Calling the latest developments in the country as worrisome, Cavusoglu said Turkey was also trying to support the nation’s economy under the tough conditions.

He also reiterated Turkey’s strong support for democracy.

Maduro has slammed the decision of Trump 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 had 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 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.

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

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced solidarity with Maduro early Thursday after Washington recognized Guaido as interim president.