EU calls for democratic solution in Venezuela

By Gozde Bayar</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – The European Union called for free and fair elections Tuesday as a way to resolve the situation in Venezuela.</p> <p>“We reiterate that there can only be a political, peaceful and democratic way out for the multiple crises the country is facing,” EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.</p> <p>She said the EU rejected any form of violence and called for a de-escalation of the conflict to prevent the loss of lives.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>The EU is closely following the latest events in Venezuela, she added.</p> <p>Earlier Tuesday, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido released a video in which he could be seen alongside a small contingent of uniformed military personnel and armored vehicles calling for an uprising to end the &quot;usurpation&quot; of President Nicolas Maduro.</p> <p>He stressed that it was the beginning of the final phase of “Operacion Libertad”, or Operation Liberty, to oust Maduro.</p> <p>“The National Armed Forces have made the correct decision. They have the support of the Venezuelan people,&quot; Guaido said.</p> <p>He also called on Venezuelans to take to the streets to support the &quot;democratic forces&quot; and &quot;recover the country's freedom&quot;.</p> <p>