Iran happy Venezuelans ‘defeated coup’

Doha, AFP: Iran expressed renewed support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Wednesday, as the opposition called for a huge May Day protest after armed clashes erupted in the capital Caracas. 

Maduro said he had defeated an attempted coup on Tuesday night led by his opponent, self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido. 

Guaido, who is recognised as acting president by more than 50 governments including those of the United States and Brazil, said troops had joined his campaign to oust Maduro, who is backed by China and Russia. 

“We believe the constitutional government of Venezuela needs to continue,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters on the sidelines of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in Doha. 

“We are happy that the people of Venezuela defeated the coup, but we continue to believe in the need for discussions as the government has suggested. We have always encouraged intra-Venezuelan dialogue.” 

The Syrian government, a key ally of Iran, on Wednesday also voiced support for Maduro. 

Both Iran and Venezuela have been hit by crippling US sanctions on their key oil sectors.