UPDATE - US calls on OAS bloc to recognize Guaido in Venezuela

ADDS AID DETAILS; GUAIDO REQUEST

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. on Thursday called on western hemisphere governments to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president, drawing a swift rebuke from Venezuela's internationally-recognized government.

A growing number of countries have lined up behind Venezuelan National Assembly President Juan Guaido who declared himself president Wednesday under articles 333 and 350 of the Venezuelan Constitution. He has since called for mass anti-government protests that have filled city streets across the country.

Guaido's declaration was recognized by the U.S., Canada and several Latin American nations shortly after it was made.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with Washington and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country -- a demand Washington officials have shrugged off, saying diplomatic personnel will stay at Guaido's invitation.

"The tyranny of the now defunct Maduro regime has for far too long choked the country and its citizens," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a meeting of the Organization of American States' (OAS) Permanent Council. "We call on all our partners and responsible OAS member states to show leadership and pledge support for Venezuela’s democratic transition and for interim President Guaido’s pivotal role in that."

Pompeo said the U.S. stands ready to provide over $20 million in humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people, and will do so "as soon as logistically possible."

The aid is intended to assist in food and medical supply shortages, and Pompeo said it follows a request from the National Assembly.

A letter to Pompeo purportedly from Guaido sought to have the U.S. provide Venezuela with urgent aid, and possibly a medical ship. The diplomatic note was posted to Twitter by Senator Marco Rubio

Thursday's convening of the council comes as a growing number of Latin American nations have lined up behind Guaido, but several during the day's session either continued to back Maduro or called for dialogue between the parties, including Mexico and Uruguay.

Venezuela lashed out at those who have backed Guaido, saying they "are supporting their master: the United States."

“This is a mafia government,” said a government representative, referring to the U.S., which she said is a "racist, supremacists imperial power guided by hatred and greed."

The charge that those nations who have announced their support for Guaido are merely heeding Washington's demands was categorically rejected by Argentina which demanded the security of Guaido's interim government be protected.

"What is happening is very serious and we will not stand by quietly," said Ambassador Paula Maria Bertol.

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro has unconditionally backed Guaido, offering the organization's congratulations shortly after the opposition leader claimed power.

The U.S. has requested the UN Security Council convene Saturday in open session to address the situation in Venezuela.