Turks hold demonstration to support Venezuelan leader

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) – A group of Turkish people on Saturday took to the streets in support of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The demonstration was organized by Ankara Platform for the Freedom of Religion and the crowd met in front of the Venezuelan embassy in the capital.

The crowd chanted slogans such as “Stand tall, Turkey with you”.

Zeynel Abidin Ozkan, spokesman for the platform, told reporters that they had gathered in front of the embassy to show solidarity with Maduro.

“We call on imperialists. If you have sneaky plans, cannons, rifles, we have our faith, brotherhood, prayers, oppressed people,” Ozkan said.

Venezuela's self-declared interim president Juan Guaido called fresh protests on Saturday to demand Maduro to cede power after a week of sporadic mass protests. The last round of demonstrations took place Wednesday.

The U.S., Canada and most Latin American countries have recognized Guaido, the National Assembly president, as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, but Maduro has so far refused calls to step down.

He has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government but said he is open to dialogue with the opposition, but not new national elections.

Russia and China both opposed the U.S. call to support Guaido, and condemned any international interference in the affairs of Venezuela. Turkey and Iran have also put their weight behind Maduro.

The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning on Monday the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart.

It has warned of grave repercussions if Guaido is harmed.