Venezuela bars Guaido from public office for 15 years

By Sinan Dogan</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – The Venezuelan government said Thursday that it has barred opposition leader Juan Guaido from holding public office for 15 years, according to local reports.</p> <p>The National Assembly leader was accused of having inconsistencies in his personal financial disclosures and a spending record higher than his income, according to a statement by state comptroller Elvis Amoroso.</p> <p>Amoroso said all lawmakers were obliged to disclose their financial status and spending in line with Venezuelan laws.</p> <p>Guaido had made 91 international trips, for which he spent 300 million bolivars ($30 million) and did not record where the money came from, Amoroso added.</p> <p>He was also accused of receiving money from national and international associations without any reason.</p> <p>Guaido declared himself interim president of Venezuela in January amid an economic crisis there. </p> <p>The U.S. was the first nation to recognize him as Venezuela's leader. Dozens of nations, including most in Latin America, have followed suit. </p> <p>But Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is strongly supported by Russia, has refused to cede power, instead insisting that he is the target of a U.S.-orchestrated coup. </p> <p>*Writing by Sibel Morrow