Guaidó calls for new anti-Maduro protests

Rally to call for the support of military

Venezuela’s Opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

Venezuelan Opposition leader Juan Guaidó called on Sunday for two new protests, in an effort to push the military to turn against President Nicolás Maduro.

In a video posted on Twitter, Mr. Guaidó said the first of the nationwide strikes, on Wednesday from noon to 2:00 p.m. (1600-1800 GMT), would be one “to demand that the armed forces side with the people”.

EU calls for election

The second, on Saturday, will be a “big national and international rally to back the support of the European Union and the ultimatum” from Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands that they would recognise Mr. Guaidó as interim President unless Mr. Maduro calls elections by February 3.

The EU was more vague, saying it would take “further actions” if elections were not called in the coming days, including the issue of recognition of the country’s “leadership”. Australia, meanwhile, said it “recognises and supports” Mr. Guaidó as interim President pending elections. And Italy called for “a rapid return to democratic legitimacy”.