“Yesterday the democratic Europe was clearly and responsibly placed. It asked for a solution only by peaceful, democratic means, elections, in order to avoid bloodshed,” Katrougalos tweeted.
“We reiterate that there can only be a political, peaceful and democratic way out for the multiple crises the country is facing,” Federica Mogherini, high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Tuesday in a statement.
“The EU rejects any form of violence and calls for utmost restraint to avoid the loss of lives and an escalation of tensions,” she added.
“We will continue to spare no efforts to achieve a reinstatement of democracy and rule of law, through free and fair elections, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution,” Mogherini noted, adding “The European Union firmly stands with the Venezuelan people and its legitimate democratic aspirations.”
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Tuesday via twitter that military commanders from all regions and defense areas of the country have “expressed their loyalty to the people, the Constitution and the country.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who had proclaimed himself as Venezuela’s interim president, reportedly called on the Venezuelan people and military to take to the streets to overthrow Maduro.
