US Calls On Maduro To Step Down In Favor Of 'Legitimate' Venezuelan Leader Guaido - Pompeo

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th January, 2019) The United States urges Nicolas Maduro to step down and let the legitimate president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, assume the presidency, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a press release on Wednesday.

"We call on Maduro to step aside in favor of a legitimate leader reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people," Pompeo said. "The United States supports President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government, and leads Venezuela, as the country prepares for free and fair elections. We urge all Venezuelans to support peacefully this democratic process, as granted in the 1999 Constitution."

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States recognized Guaido as the new interim president of Venezuela.

Pompeo said the United States will work closely with what Washington has characterized as the legitimately-elected National Assembly in Venezuela to facilitate the country's transition back to democracy, consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

"The United States also stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Venezuela as conditions allow," Pompeo said.

Pompeo reiterated that the United States and other actors, including the European Union, support the Venezuelan people as they seek to restore democracy.

"We repeat our call to the Venezuelan military and security forces to support democracy and protect all Venezuelan citizens," Pompeo said.

On Tuesday, Venezuela's National Assembly adopted a statement accusing Maduro of "usurping" power and that all his decisions rendered void. Maduro replied he would hold the National Assembly accountable for ridiculing the country's constitution.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the leadership of the opposition-controlled National Assembly was illegitimate and its decisions "void."