Slovakia does not recognize Venezuela's self-proclaimed president

Slovakia on February 6 refused to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president. Together with Italy, Slovakia went against the policy of about 20 European Union (EU) countries, including the UK, Germany, France and Spain, as well as the US,Reutersreport

Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry said last week it recognized Venezuelan National Assembly President Guaido as the only legitimate representative of the country’s people and called for new elections in Venezuela. However, Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak was unable to get support from two of the three coalition parties for the decision.

The leader of the left-wing Smer party, Robert Fico, said he saw the current situation in Venezuela as an attempt to destroy the current government. "Slovakia should act in accordance with international law," he said. The Slovak Nationalist Coalition (SNS) also said Slovakia should remain neutral, while the Hungarian Most-Hid party supported the EU's position.

Italy on February 4 blocked a joint EU statement to recognize Guaido as Venezuela's president, diplomatic sources revealed.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated after Guaido declared himself "interim president" on January 23. US President Donald Trump quickly voiced his support for Guaido and denied the authority of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, Russia, China, Türkiye and Cuba still recognize Maduro. He has the backing of the military and the Supreme Court.