Venezuela has seen a day of extraordinary political turmoil: the country's parliamentary president, Juan Guaidó, appointed interim president on Wednesday - declaring Nicolás Maduro deprived of power.
Just minutes later, US President Donald Trump recognized the 35-year-old opposition leader Guaidó as the country's legitimate interim head of state.
Maduro then broke off diplomatic relations with the US and ordered that US diplomatic personnel must leave the country within 72 hours. "Nobody comes up here," said Maduro. Guaidó, on the other hand, called on diplomats from foreign countries to stay.
US does not want to withdraw diplomats from Venezuela
At Maduro's request, the US has now responded: they refuse the withdrawal of their diplomats from Venezuela. "The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as a government of Venezuela," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday night. "Consequently, the United States does not believe that former President Nicolás Maduro has the legal authority to break diplomatic ties with the United States or declare our diplomats undesirable."
Pompeo warned that measures would be taken to hold accountable anyone who endangers the security of diplomatic institutions or US diplomats.
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Uprising against Maduro: The day of Juan GuaidóEU calls for new elections in Venezuela
In the meantime, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also spoke - and promised the support of the European Union to the opposition-led parliament. "The European Union urges for the beginning of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in accordance with the Constitution," Mogherini said late Wednesday evening.
The EU supports the Guaidó-led National Assembly "as a democratically elected institution whose powers need to be restored and respected," it said. The civil rights, freedom and security of Guaidó and all other members of Parliament should be fully respected. "Violence and exaggerated severity of the security forces are totally unacceptable and will certainly not solve the crisis."
Several deaths in protests against Maduro
According to human rights activists, at least 13 people were killed in the riots in the country on Wednesday alone. The victims were killed in demonstrations in six different states, the Observatory for Social Conflicts (OVCS) said. In addition, 109 people were arrested, according to the human rights organization Foro Penal.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets against Maduro on Wednesday. They fought some fierce street battles with the police.
Venezuela is in a deep political and economic crisis. The opposition is suppressed, many government opponents are in custody or have fled into exile. Due to lack of foreign exchange, the once rich country can barely import food, medicines and everyday necessities. Around three million Venezuelans have already fled the misery abroad.
Video: Mass demonstration in Caracas
AFP
Overview: Which states Guaidó recognize
US President Trump announced as the first head of government that his country was on the side of the transitional president. The Latin American countries Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador also recognized Guaidó. Canada signed a joint statement by the so-called Lima group, which supports Guaidó. Moreover, the interim president has largely left the Organization of American States behind.
Overview: Which states recognize Maduro
Mexico's government under left-wing politician Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that the situation in Venezuela is being monitored, but initially nothing has changed in terms of diplomatic relations with the country and the government that has taken place. Bolivia's Socialist President Evo Morales also stuck to the Maduro government. The government of the socialist island state of Cuba also extended its support to Maduro.
What is Guaidó's claim to power - and what are his chances?
The President of Parliament refers to the Venezuelan constitution: because the re-election of Maduro last year did not comply with the democratic rules, Parliament stated that there was no rightful president. In this case, the constitution stipulates new elections in Article 233. In the meantime, the chairman of the parliament temporarily takes over the presidency.
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That Guaidó now actually takes over the government business, however, is not secured. The opposition is weakened. In addition, Maduro is still supported by the military, which sits at many power stations. So far, Maduro has bloodily crushed all mass protests against his government. However, he has never been as internationally international as he is now.