Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido urged Europe to tighten financial sanctions against the government of Nicolas Maduro after it expelled Germany’s ambassador, a magazine quoted him as saying on Thursday.
It was the latest flashpoint in a global showdown over Venezuela, with Western nations largely recognising Guaido as legitimate head of state, but Russia and China still supporting the socialist Maduro and urging non-interference.
“This action represents a threat against Germany,” Guaido told Der Spiegel after Caracas declared ambassador Daniel Kriener persona non grata. He and other diplomats had welcomed home Guaido at Caracas airport earlier this week.
“I hope that Europe reacts sharply to this serious threat against an ambassador,” Guaido added. “Above all, they should tighten financial sanctions against the regime.”
Germany is among the many nations backing Guaido’s plan to install a transition government ahead of free elections.
He denounces Maduro as a usurper whose re-election last year resulted from a sham vote. Maduro says he is victim of a U.S.-led coup attempt and “economic war”.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday called Venezuela’s action “incomprehensible” and said Germany and its European partners would continue to back Guaido.
BY DAILY SABAH
