US to do all to bring democracy back to Venezuela

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday the U.S. will do whatever is necessary to bring democracy back to Venezuela.

“[Donald Trump] has said pretty clearly that we're going to do all that it takes to make sure all the Venezuelan people get democracy back," Pompeo said at The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. forum.

"That's the mission set," he said. "We are closer today than we were several months ago."

Pompeo said the U.S. built "a great coalition" in the region with members of the regional bloc of the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Lima group -- a group of 12 Latin American nations trying to find a solution to Venezuela’s crisis.

He added that 50 countries are joining Washington to understand Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is not the "duly elected president" and said there is "progress everyday" in that effort.

The U.S. has thrown its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido when he proclaimed himself rightful president of the oil-rich country -- a moved followed by a majority of Latin American countries.

Political unrest has been ongoing in Venezuela between Maduro and Guaido since Jan. 10.