Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro says he welcomes international observers to monitor the country’s elections due to be held later this year.
Maduro said the "European Union, the secretary general of the United Nations" and "all the international organizations" are welcome to observe the legislative elections.
"Open doors for international accompaniment, Welcome! Welcome!," Maduro told the ruling Constituent Assembly.
The president, however, said head of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro would never be allowed for the elections.
The OAS has recognized opposition figure Juan Guaido as “interim president” after he declared himself such early last year.
News / Venezuela
Venezuela's Maduro says EU, UN observers allowed to monitor elections
Wednesday, 15 January 2020 9:22 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 15 January 2020 9:28 AM ]
US Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (L) talks with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) during a rally with fellow Democrats before voting on H.R. 1, or the People Act, on the East Steps of the US Capitol on March 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. (AFP photo)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (C) delivers a speech at the Constituent Assembly in the capital Caracas, on January 14, 2020. (Photo by AFP)
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro says he welcomes international observers to monitor the country’s elections due to be held later this year.
Maduro said the "European Union, the secretary general of the United Nations" and "all the international organizations" are welcome to observe the legislative elections.
"Open doors for international accompaniment, Welcome! Welcome!," Maduro told the ruling Constituent Assembly.
The president, however, said head of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro would never be allowed for the elections.
The OAS has recognized opposition figure Juan Guaido as “interim president” after he declared himself such early last year.
Venezuela's Guaido sworn in as parliament speaker after stand-off
Venezuela's Guaido sworn in as parliament speaker after stand-off
Venezuela
He pushed the country into political turmoil by rejecting the outcome of the May 2018 presidential election which Maduro won and calling for a new presidential election to be held.
Last week, Guido and his allied lawmakers held their own election for chief of Congress after the national assembly elected his rival, Luis Parra, as the speaker of the parliament.
Maduro endorsed his election, saying, "the national assembly has made a decision,” and "kicked out” US-backed Guaido from parliament.
Hours after Parra was sworn in, Guaido claimed that he had been re-elected as the speaker in that vote.
He later attempted to force his way into the chamber by jumping on top of a fence, but was blocked by members of the National Guard.
In an interview with CNN, he called on international community to “take action.”
