AG百家乐在线官网

Labour refuses to call for regime overhaul in Venezuela

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry says it would not achieve "lasting change" as focus grows on the South American country.

Mr Maduro has said the protests are part of a US-led coup attempt
Image: Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods
Why you can trust Sky News

Labour has dismissed the decision of the UK and European governments to refuse to recognise Nicolas Maduro as Venezuelan president.

Emily Thornberry, the party's shadow foreign secretary, said such action would not achieve "lasting change".

She called for "dialogue", arguing that Western powers' recognition of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president was "not the way to treat another country".

Ms Thornberry added a Labour government would not tolerate human rights abuses committed by "governments who call themselves socialist".

Emily Thornberry, Labour MP
Image: Emily Thornberry said the government's action would not create 'lasting change'

The UK announced on Monday it recognised Mr Guaido as acting president to end a "humanitarian crisis" in the South American country.

It had imposed an eight-day deadline for Mr Maduro to call a presidential election which he dismissed.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Friday that Venezuela's future was a matter for its citizens and criticised calls for sanctions.

More on Labour

"We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else," he said.

The interview was done by Sky News Italia and translated in the UK for use by Stuart Ramsay.
Image: Nicolas Maduro is refusing to stand down as president

Ms Thornberry went further on Wednesday, saying: "We begin with dialogue. That offer has been made. Internally and externally we need to ensure that that happens.

"And I think that that's the best way to proceed - rather than to suddenly say 'that's it we've had enough, we recognise x, we don't recognise y anymore'.

"That's not the way to treat another country.

"Even a country in as desperate a situation as Venezuela.

"If we're going to have lasting and proper change, it has to be on the basis of dialogue, which hasn't happened yet."

Juan Guaido has been acting as if he is president of Venezuela
Image: Juan Guaido has been recognised as acting president by the US and UK

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson earlier told Sky News the party was still formulating its official position and needed to "take a little bit of time to consider the nuances of this".

Mr Maduro maintains the backing of Russia, China and Turkey, and the critical support of the military.

The socialist president - who was elected in 2013 and is widely viewed as a dictator - said he was determined that a "crazy war" would not erupt in his homeland.

Under him, Venezuela has suffered from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods and medicines.