Foreign News

UK formally recognises Juan Guaido as new Venezuelan president

Published

6 years ago

February 4, 2019

UK formally recognises Juan Guaido as new Venezuelan president

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the UK and other European countries have taken the step to end a “humanitarian crisis”. Mr Guaido is challenging Nicolas Maduro for the presidency in a move that has been backed by most Western powers.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted the announcement, saying other “European allies” have taken the step to help end a “humanitarian crisis” in the South American country. He said: “The United Kingdom now recognises Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, until credible presidential elections can be held.

“The people of Venezuela have suffered enough. It is time for a new start, with free and fair elections in accordance with international democratic standards.
“The oppression of the illegitimate, kleptocratic Maduro regime must end. Those who continue to violate the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans under an illegitimate regime will be called to account. The Venezuelan people deserve a better future.”

Spain, France, Sweden, Germany and Denmark have also declared their support for the 35-year-old leader of the country’s National Assembly after Mr Maduro missed an eight-day deadline for calling a new presidential election. Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to Tokyo: “As of yesterday, no presidential election had been called. Therefore Guaido is the person we are talking to and we expect him to begin an election process as soon as possible.

“He is the legitimate interim president for this task from Germany’s point of view and from the point of view of several European countries. “We hope that this process can be carried out as quickly and peacefully as possible.”

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged Mr Guaido to call an election as soon as possible. Mr Sanchez said Spain was “working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela” and would be putting together a humanitarian aid programme for the country.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter: “Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. “France recognizes @jguaido as ‘interim president’ to implement an electoral process.”

Mr Maduro still has the backing of Russia, China and Turkey and has been kept in power by the support of Venezuela’s military. The Kremlin was quick to condemn European countries from recognising Mr Guaido as interim president. It said the move amounted to foreign meddling and that Venezuelans should resolve their political crisis, not other countries.

Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “attempts to legitimise usurped power” constituted “interference in Venezuela’s affairs and would not result in “peaceful, effective and lasting settlement of the crisis the Venezuelans are going through”.

Mr Guaido made a plea to European countries last week to recognize him as leader to help “rebuild” the country after soaring inflation and violent protests. In an interview with Sky’s Stuart Ramsay, he said: “I think it’s not just about the help of the United States, it’s ultimately at an international level. With European countries that are willing to help rebuild.”

Mr Guaido declared himself interim president a fortnight after Mr Maduro was sworn in for another term as leader. He told crowds in the capital, Caracas, that he would steer the country until new elections were held. Mr Maduro’s time in office has been marked by economic collapse, hyperinflation and shortages of many basic goods and medicines.

Mr Guaido stunned the world when on 23 January when he declared himself as acting president at a rally and declared Mr Maduro’s presidency was “illegitimate” and founded on flawed elections.

Source- Sky news

Foreign News

NiDCOM BOSS HAILS DR. ELENITOBA-JOHNSON ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE US ACADEMY

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2024

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NiDCOM BOSS HAILS DR. ELENITOBA-JOHNSON ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE US ACADEMY

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H
Hon. Abike Dabiri- Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated Dr. Kojo Elenitoba-Johnson on his induction into the US National Academy of Medicine (NAM), describing it as “an honour well- deserved”.

In a statement by Abdur- Rahman Balogun, Director of Media,Public Relations and Protocols, stated that Dr. Elenitoba- Johnson has yet achieved another ground breaking milestone in the Medical world globally.

Dabiri-Erewa described the honour as a demonstration of his outstanding professional achievement and unwavering commitment to service in the medical field.

She applauded his constant research and studies on ways of ameliorating the needs of his patients which has earned him this great honour, the highest honour in the field of health and medicine.

The NiDCOM boss urged Elenitoba- Johnson not to be relentless in the discharge of his duty and to keep making Nigeria proud as hard work pays, an example being the honour he just got.

She also prayed to God for protection and directions as he joins the League of Medical Professionals doing great things globally.

Dr. Kojo Elenitoba-Johnson, an international leader in the fields of Hematopathology and Molecular Genomic Pathology as well as a translational researcher also held leadership positions at the University of Utah, University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania.

National Academy of Medicine (NAM) works alongside with the National Academy of sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.

NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their services in National Academies activities.

Foreign News

NiDCOM BOSS CONGRATULATES GBENGA OGUNJIMI ON D.C’s HONOUR TO NIGERIAN CENTRE

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

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NiDCOM BOSS CONGRATULATES GBENGA OGUNJIMI ON D.C’s HONOUR TO NIGERIAN CENTRE

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

Foreign News

Africa CDC Strengthens Laboratory Capacity for Mpox and Other Outbreaks in Burundi

Published

3 weeks ago

October 17, 2024

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and referral processes while ensuring biosafety and biosecurity practices. These outcomes are crucial for an effective response to mpox outbreaks and generally contribute to strengthening sample referral and biosafety and biosecurity measures in Burundi.

Africa CDC has also strengthened Burundi’s response to the ongoing mpox outbreak by donating critical equipment and materials.

The donation includes an Illumina MiniSeq sequencing system and reagents, a high-performance computer server, mpox qPCR testing kits, and other essential consumables.

In addition, the INSP team has been trained on molecular testing, sequencing, and interpretation of results.

“These resources provided, and skills built, will enhance the country’s molecular testing and sequencing capabilities, enabling accurate and timely detection and characterization of mpox cases and boosting the national testing and pathogen detection capacity,” said Dr. Yenew Kebede.