Kremlin set to read Guaido message, not recognize him

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Kremlin will look at a message from the Venezuelan opposition leader when it arrives, but this does not mean Russia recognizes him as the country's president, said Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday.

"So far, we have not received any messages. If and when it comes, we will examine it. But he is not the head of state for us, we do not recognize his status. The head of state is [President] Mr. Nicolas Maduro, whose government is our partner in Venezuela," he said.

Earlier, opposition leader Juan Guaido said he had sent messages to Russian and Chinese authorities to reassure them that in case of a change in power, Caracas will treat its debt obligations to these countries "responsibly."

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.

Tension climbed when Guaido declared himself interim president on Jan. 23.

Among those recognizing Guaido’s claim are the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, and the Organization of American States.

Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.

Russia, China, and Iran also support Maduro, as does Turkey.