A major U.S. ally in the far-east on Tuesday formally extended support to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.
鈥淲e express our clear support for interim President Guaido,鈥� The Mainichi newspaper quoted Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during a news conference. 鈥淛apan hopes a free and fair election will be held swiftly.鈥�
He said the Japanese government will continue to provide necessary support to the people of Venezuela and neighboring countries affected by the turmoil.
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Nicholas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Several South American countries, Russia and Turkey have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.
The U.S.-led West and countries in Europe have put their weight behind Guaido and recognized him as the 鈥減resident鈥� of the South American oil-rich country.
Guaido, who is president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, then declared himself Venezuela's acting president. However, the Supreme Court said Feb. 8 Guaido鈥檚 decision to declare himself interim president was 鈥渘ull and void鈥�.
By Riyaz ul Khaliq
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr