VENEZUELA: EU calls for dialogue as defiant Maduro vows to cling onto power

The European Union and a group of Latin American governments which kept a moderate line following the political crisis which has engulfed Venezuela have called for dialogue and fresh elections.

Speaking in its inaugural meeting in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, the EU-backed International Contact Group on Venezuela said overly forceful intervention could aggravate the crisis in the country.

The EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini said a resolution ultimately must come from the people of Venezuela.

“This is not only the most desirable result but is the only result if we want to avoid more suffering and a chaotic process,” Mogherini said.

Read also: VENEZUELA: Guaido dismisses Maduro’s warning of civil war if political crisis persists

The move comes after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself president and immediately won the support of US leader Donald Trump.

France, Germany, Australia, Sweden and Denmark have all joined in recognising Guaido as the interim president of the South American country.

Meanwhile, the arrival of trucks carrying humanitarian aid which includes supplies provided by the United States, has been rejected by President Nicolas Maduro who says it is a “political show”.

He vowed to remain in office despite dozens of nations around the world disavowing his leadership, and backing Guaido as the country’s rightful head of state.

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