The Associated Press reports:
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is giving American diplomats 72 hours to abandon the country after breaking diplomatic relations with the U.S. over its decision to recognize an opposition leader as interim president.
“Before the people and nations of the world, and as constitutional president…..I’ve decided to break diplomatic and political relations with the imperialist U.S. government,” Maduro told a crowd of red-shirted supporters gathered at the presidential palace.
He made the announcement following a tumultuous day that saw Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled congress, declare himself interim president and call elections. The move was immediately backed by the Trump administration, which said it was willing to use all its economic and diplomatic power to restore Venezuela’s democracy.
MORE: Maduro says opposition is attempting a coup https://t.co/IeXZdDq5Bk pic.twitter.com/7wa1PfJQW8
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) January 23, 2019
UPDATE: Maduro declared on live television that he is breaking relations with the United States, and gave diplomatic personnel 72 hours to leave the country. https://t.co/kmqjyRWY6t
— NBC Latino (@NBCLatino) January 23, 2019
IN PICTURES: Anti-Maduro protests are happening in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas #tictocnews pic.twitter.com/ZmtmqhAkqn
— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) January 23, 2019
Massive international response to @realDonaldTrump recognition of @jguaido. Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Colombia Ecuador Paraguay & Peru have now also done the same.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 23, 2019
The United States recognizes Juan Guaido’s courageous decision to assume the role of Interim President per Venezuela’s Constitution Article 233. We support @AsambleaVE and their efforts to establish a transitional government and prepare #Venezuela for free and fair elections.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 23, 2019
.@Almagro_OEA2015: Congratulations to @jguaido interim President of #Venezuela. You have our recognition to move forward the country's return to democracy #23Ene #OEAconVzla pic.twitter.com/zJ2UiykvMg
— OAS (@OAS_official) January 23, 2019
Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in Caracas to show their anger at the government as they feel 'increasingly emboldened'.
President Trump has recognised Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as President.
Follow the story live here: https://t.co/KLUI7pF5NT pic.twitter.com/Mz4X0ecZuQ
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 23, 2019