Nicaraguan Government Says Supports Venezuelan President Maduro

The government of Nicaragua expressed on Thursday support for the incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro amid the ongoing political crisis in his country

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th January, 2019) The government of Nicaragua expressed on Thursday support for the incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro amid the ongoing political crisis in his country.

On Wednesday, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the country's interim president. The United States urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down and let Guaido assume the presidency. Maduro called Guaido "the US puppet" and said that Venezuela was severing diplomatic ties with Washington.

"The Latin American countries of the Caribbean, the cradle of great and bright personalities, show dignity and greatness in the face of the empire ... No one gives up. Viva Venezuela! Viva Chavez! Viva Nicolas [Maduro]!" the government said in a statement published by the TN8 broadcaster on Twitter.

On Wednesday, anti-government marches were held in Venezuela, as well as demonstrations by supporters of Maduro.

According to media reports, a total of 16 people were killed in the clashes. The total number of detainees for participating in protests has reached 218 people since Monday, according to human rights organization Foro Penal.

So far, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Council President Donald Tusk and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini have also expressed their support.

For years, Venezuela has been living in a state of a political and economic crisis, which was worsened by a decline in oil prices and US sanctions. Millions of Venezuelans have sought refuge, mostly in neighboring countries.