By Yusuf Hatip
BRUSSELS
The European Parliament recognized Venezuela’s self-declared interim president Juan Guaido in an official vote Thursday.
After a debate on developments in Venezuela, MEPs voted to recognize Guaido by 439-104, with 88 abstentions.
The resolution recognizes opposition leader Guaido as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela in accordance with the country’s Constitution.
The resolution also calls for “an immediate end to human rights violations in the country.”
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Tension climbed when Guaido declared himself acting 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 elected President Maduro.
Russia, China, and Iran also support Maduro, as does Turkey.
European heavyweights Britain, Germany, France, and Spain have called on Maduro to announce fresh elections to ease the crisis.
