Turkey: We respect results of Venezuela elections

Turkey has called for support for Venezuela to help it overcome its economic crisis, adding that it respects the results of the presidential election won by Nicolas Maduro, the Anadolu Agency reported.

“There is an elected president and on the other hand the head of congress declares himself de facto president,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said. “Some countries recognised this. This may cause chaos.”

He went on to say some EU countries have made statements following US pressure, which contradict with their own values.

“In order to overcome the economic problems, we should support the country [Venezuela]. Everyone must respect the will of the people at the ballot box,” Cavusoglu added.

READ: Netanyahu ‘recognises’ Venezuela opposition leader as ‘president’ 

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since 10 January when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following his selection in May in an election which was boycotted by opposition groups.

On Wednesday, Juan Guaido, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president. US President Donald Trump recognised Guaido as president of the country.

Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with Washington and giving US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. He has repeatedly lashed out at the US, saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.

Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation joined Turkey and Iran in stressing their opposition to foreign interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela.