Credit: wikipedia /  Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro

By Gary Raynaldo  DIPLOMATIC TIMES

The Trump administration announced it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the new interim President of Venezuela. Meanwhile, the ‘real’ Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro said his government is breaking relations with the United States in retaliation.  Maduro has given notice to all U.S. diplomatic personnel to leave the country in 72 hours. The chaotic political drama in Venezuela is unfolding fast and furious.  Guaidó declared himself the country’s interim president amid nationwide protests Wednesday, in a bid to seize power from Maduro.

“The United States recognizes Juan Guaido as the new interim President of Venezuela, and strongly supports his courageous decision to assume that role pursuant to Article 233 of Venezuela’s constitution and supported by the National Assembly, in restoring democracy to Venezuela. As President Trump said, “The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Jan. 23, 2019. 

Maduro accused the opposition and the U.S. of an attempted coup.  On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence posted a video message online telling Venezuelan opposition leaders and protesters that the U.S. supports their efforts to oust Maduro.

“The United States is continuing to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela in what appears to be part of a coordinated effort to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from office.”

Democracy Now

Venezuelan President Maduro responded to VP Pence, saying he would revise diplomatic relations with the United States, Democracy Now reported.   “Never before has a high-level official said that the opposition should overthrow the government.”   Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez also responded to the video:  “Because Mr. Pence doesn’t have a job, now he wants to come and run Venezuela, handing out instructions on what should happen in Venezuela tomorrow, openly calling for a coup d’état in Venezuela. I will say it like the Venezuelan people would say it to you: ‘Yankee, go home.’”