The Australian government on Monday supported the president of the national assembly Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela, a statement said.
”Australia recognises and supports the president of the national assembly, Juan Guaidó, in assuming the position of interim president, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution and until elections are held”, Australian foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne said.
”Australia calls for a transition to democracy in Venezuela as soon as possible”.
”We now urge all parties to work constructively towards a peaceful resolution of the situation, including a return to democracy, respect for the rule of law and upholding of human rights of the Venezuelan people,” the statement further said.
The Australian opposition leader, Bill Shorten, and Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong, supported the government’s decision, citing the fact that the US, Britain, France, Germany and Venezuela’s South American neighbours had also rejected Maduro.(UNI)
