Australia backs Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president
The Australian government has announced support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido after he announced himself interim president on Wednesday.
"Australia recognises and supports the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, in assuming the position of interim president, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution and until elections are held," Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.
"Australia calls for a transition to democracy in Venezuela as soon as possible."
The announcement comes after the United States called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela, as the country grapples with deadly mass protests and political unrest.
Mr Guaido claims he is entitled to the presidency on the basis that President Nicolas Maduro's reelection to a second six-year term was fraudulent.
Mr Maduro cruised to reelection last May amid low turnout and allegations of vote buying by the government.
Australia has now joined Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and a string of Latin American countries in recognising Mr Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader until elections are able to be held in the conflict-stricken country.
Mr Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down and rejected an international ultimatum to call elections within eight days.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-backs-venezuela-s-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-as-interim-president
Australian Gov for regimes change for gold oil and Israel. Noahide world order is coming!