As Venezuelans protest, Mexico and Spain call for talks and US senators ask EU to join them in backing Juan Guaido
- Venezuelans took to the streets in protest on Wednesday at Guaido’s behest, calling for President Nicolas Maduro to step down
- Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of US senators has called on the European Union to back Guaido’s claim as interim president
As Venezuelans took to the streets in protest on Wednesday, the leaders of Mexico and Spain called for talks to resolve the country’s political crisis – but gaps were visible between the politicians on what exactly that would look like.
Visiting Mexico City, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for talks between Venezuela’s rival leaders – President Nicolas Maduro and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido – that would lead to elections.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador meanwhile reiterated his appeal for dialogue between the Venezuelan government and opposition, but insisted there could be no preconditions.
The same day, a bipartisan group of US senators called on the European Union to join America in siding with Guaido, while mass demonstrations took place in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.
Mexico and Spain, both key players in Latin America, have taken markedly different approaches to the Venezuelan crisis.
Sanchez said Saturday his government would join the United States and other countries in recognising Guaido if elections were not called within eight days.