U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday took aim at Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a U.N. Security Council meeting and called on all nations to back opposition chief Juan Guaido as the country's legitimate leader.
"We're here to urge all nations to support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people as they try to free themselves from former President Maduro's illegitimate mafia state," Pompeo told council members and other delegates at the open session, which was called by the United States.
Maduro was sworn in on Jan. 10 for a second term after an election in May that many from the opposition boycotted amid allegations of irregularities. Guaido, as president of the National Assembly, on Wednesday declared himself the country's "acting president."
The United States, which viewed the May election a sham, is among several countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president. U.S. officials refer to Maduro as the former president.
The political unrest has triggered mass protests, resulting in large-scale detentions of protesters and the death of at least 20 people who were allegedly shot by security forces or pro-government armed groups during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
European Union countries jointly issued a statement reiterating their view that the May presidential elections were not fair or credible.
The group also "fully supported" the National Assembly and called for the urgent holding of free elections. In the absence of elections, it said, "the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country's leadership."
At the Security Council meeting, Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stressed that the situation in Venezuela is a domestic issue.
"We strongly condemn those who are pushing the Venezuelan society to the edge of a bloodbath," he said, accusing the United States of seeking to topple a leader he said had the backing of the people.
Nebenzia also disputed Pompeo's assessment that support for Venezuela was limited to a few countries such as Russia, China, Syria, Iran and Cuba.
China's ambassador, Ma Zhaoxu, said that Beijing "does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs."
Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza slammed Washington for orchestrating a coup, claiming his country is following its own domestic and international laws.
"Venezuela is upholding its constitution and the charter of the United Nations. We will continue following the path of our democracy, we will not allow anyone to impose on us any decision or order," he said. "The name of the president is President Maduro."
During the meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo, U.N. undersecretary general for political and peacebuilding affairs, said Venezuela is experiencing "high levels of political polarization, growing humanitarian needs and serious human rights concerns," which has led millions to flee to neighboring countries.
She also cited the effects on its population of some 30 million of hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicines and a lack of adequate health and education services.
