Al Jazeera: US Interference Denounced in Venezuela

The world is dividing into the usual camps over Venezuela’s president. The United States, Canada and Brazil suggest the election was flawed and Juan Guaido, who leads Congress, should serve as interim president until another election as dictated by the constitution. China, Russia and Turkey support incumbent dictator Nicolas Maduro who presides over an economy in shambles, and Venezuela's military leaders agree. Spokespeople for the three countries describe Guaido’s move as an illegitimate coup and US support as an attack on national sovereignty. Venezuela holds the world’s largest reserves of crude oil and relies heavily on exports, so all countries have a keen interest. GDP per capita is $12,500 and growth has been in decline in recent years with rampant shortages of basic supplies. The unemployment rate exceeds 25 percent.Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations called for talks and opposed escalation that could lead to military conflict that he said would be a disaster for the region. – YaleGlobal