Lima Group says won’t recognize Maduro as Venezuela president
Tehran (KNA) - Foreign ministers from the 14-member Lima Group said they will not recognize Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s president when he takes office for a new six-year term on January 10.
The regional group that also includes Canada says it only recognizes the opposition-controlled National Assembly as Venezuela's constitutionally-elected body.
The 14-nation body was meeting in the Peruvian capital Lima to discuss ways to step up international pressure on Maduro's government.
"The electoral process carried out in Venezuela on May 20, 2018 is not legitimate," stated Peruvian Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio, adding, "It did not provide the guarantees or meet the international standards necessary for a free, just and transparent process."
The move coincides with a statement from Venezuela's opposition-dominated National Assembly, calling Maduro's new term illegitimate.
Maduro was re-elected in May after an early election called by the ruling Constituent Assembly which was marred by accusations of irregularities as well as an opposition boycott.
Source: PressTV