Venezuela should not face outside interference: Greece

By Yusuf Hatip

BRUSSELS (AA) - Greece on Monday urged Venezuela to not allow any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

"A democratic solution means that the people of Venezuela decide their own future. Any external interference should be avoided," said Georgios Katrougalos, Greece’s alternate foreign minister, stressing the importance of a peaceful solution and democracy in Venezuela.

In a press statement, he added that the only path the international community should consider in Venezuela is one to help reduce tension and ensure fair elections.

Katrougalos objected to various EU members -- including about a dozen today -- referring to Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, as “interim president” of the country.

“There are issues that we disagree on," within the EU, he added.

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.

Tensions climbed on Jan. 23 when Guaido declared himself interim president, but Maduro has so far refused calls to step down.

He has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government and said he is open to dialogue with the opposition.

The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart.

Russia, China, and Iran have put their weight behind Maduro, as has Turkey.