Georgia joins US, recognises opposition leader Guaido as interim President of Venezuela
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Georgia has joined the US and other foreign states which have recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkalinai tweeted:
Following the statement on non-recognition of the results of the Presidential elections held in #Venezuela, Georgia recognizes @jguaido as an Interim President, welcomes statements of our partners&supports citizens of VEN in their fight 4 freedom&democracy https://t.co/flDWfICi3K
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) January 23, 2019
Georgia fully supports the efforts of Juan Guadio create an interim government, encourage the country’s democratic transformation, rule of law and protection of human rights," the Georgian Foreign Ministry says.
Georgian Foreign Ministry hopes that the political process in Venezuela will continue peacefully and the country’s legitimate government will join the international community and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. [Venezuela is one of the five countries which has recognised two occupied regions of Georgia - Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent republics].
The US President Donald Trump stated about his support to the 35-year-old politician shortly after Guaido declared himself as an acting leader in Caracas on Wednesday.
A number of South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia and Peru, have also recognised Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, BBC reports.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze tweeted:
???????? recognizes @jguaido as Interim President of #Venezuela. We express hope that @AsambleaVE will establish a transitional government, prepare free & fair elections & ensure peaceful transition of power. ???????? supports the courageous people of Venezuela in their fight for democracy.
— Mamuka Bakhtadze (@BakhtadzeMamuka) January 24, 2019
The steps come amid mass protests against President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused of sharp economic downfall and corruption by Venezuelan people.
Georgia also shared the position of the international community on 10 January 2019 and said that the country did not recognise the legitimacy of Maduro as the president of Venezuela.
Maduro’s re-election in May 2018 was widely criticised by foreign nations and organisations, with numerous reports and statements regarding coercion, electoral rigging and fraud.