Australia supports upstart "president" of Venezuela; NZ remains neutral

Thank goodness Our government has decided to remain neutral. it's not very often these days that our government takes an independent stand on anything

Australia supports Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido

Australia has announced it will recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president.

NZ will not give official recognition to one side in Venezuelan crisis

New Zealand will not be giving official recognition to one side in Venezuelan politics - because the government says it's not its practice to do so.

Radio NZ,

28 January, 2019

It follows similar decisions by the US, Canada, Germany and a number of South American nations, amid calls for President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

Mr Maduro is still clinging to power and continues to have the support of the military at this stage.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has said it would not be giving official recognition to either side.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said Venezuela should be allowed to decide its own fate through free and fair elections.