01 February 2019•Update: 01 February 2019
By Beyza Binnur Donmez
ANKARA
Venezuela’s strength and salvation lies in unity, said the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly on Wednesday.
Juan Guaido, who last week declared himself the country’s interim president, said in a guest op-ed published in The New York Times that the time is short for Venezuela's elected President Nicolas Maduro.
"Mr. Maduro’s time is running out, but in order to manage his exit with the minimum of bloodshed, all of Venezuela must unite in pushing for a definitive end to his regime,” wrote Guaido.
He claimed his status as "interim president" is based on Venezuela’s Constitution.
"This is why the oath I took on Jan. 23 cannot be considered a ‘self-proclamation’," he argued.
He said over 50 countries have recognized him as interim president.
Guaido claimed that Maduro’s re-election in May 2018 was "illegitimate" and that he is “usurping the presidency by continuing to stay in office."
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.
Tension climbed when Guaido declared himself acting president on Jan. 23.
Among those recognizing Guaido’s claim are the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay and the Organization of American States.
Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.
Russia, China, and Iran also support Maduro, as does Turkey.
