Germany: Left Party accuses US of coup bid in Venezuela

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s opposition Left Party has accused the U.S. of plotting a coup against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.

A resolution adopted by the party’s executive committee on Monday has condemned the U.S. and foreign powers of orchestrating a coup attempt in Venezuela.

“The move by the U.S and other governments to recognize the self-declared interim president, and their threats of military action, are a clear violation of international law, which can never be accepted,” it said.

The Left Party called for a dialogue among all political groups in Venezuela to reach a peaceful political solution.

“Last year’s dialogue process which was abandoned by the opposition and the proposed Agreement of Democratic Coexistence for Venezuela can be a starting point,” it added.

The Left Party’s executive committee also urged the Venezuelan government and security forces to show restraint and refrain from violence.

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.

Tensions climbed across the South American country when Juan Guaido self-declared himself the acting president last week.

U.S. President Donald Trump quickly recognized Guaido as interim leader, with several countries following suit, including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay.

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.