“The U.S. and some Latin American countries have repeatedly intervened in the internal affairs of Venezuela”

 

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu made a speech at news channel A Haber.

The U.S. has repeatedly interfered with the domestic politics of its southern neighbor, Venezuela, said Turkey’s foreign minister on Thursday.

"Unfortunately, recently the U.S. and some Latin American countries have repeatedly intervened in the internal affairs of Venezuela," Mevlut Cavusoglu told.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of the country, marking the most significant escalation in the ongoing feud between Washington and Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president. Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S. and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Cavusoglu said that it was "very strange" that Venezuela’s National Assembly leader declared himself interim president despite the country already having an elected president.

“And some countries recognized him [as interim president]. This situation may lead to chaos,” he said.

Stating that Venezuela is among the world’s top countries in terms of its natural resources, Cavusoglu said to date it has fallen short of making use of these.

Calling the latest developments in the country troubling, Cavusoglu said Turkey is also trying to support the nation’s economy under these tough conditions.

He also reiterated Turkey’s strong support for democracy.

Brazil and the Organization of American States had recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s leader prior to his formal announcement. Following suit were Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay, while Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.

Maduro has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S., saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.

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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced solidarity with Maduro early Thursday after Washington recognized Guaido as interim president.