Japan has recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela

Japan recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela on Tuesday and regretted that President Nicolás Maduro did not call for elections as requested by many countries.

"Our country has called for early elections (…) but unfortunately the elections have not yet taken place"Foreign Minister Taro Kono said at a press conference.

"Given the circumstances, our country clearly supports the provisional President Guaidó. We call again on the country to hold free and fair elections, "he added.

The recognition of Japan comes in full crisis in Venezuela and Maduro under international pressure. Some 50 countries have recognized Guaidó while Maduro enjoys the support of allies such as Russia, China, Turkey, Iran and Cuba.

Monday, the American president, Donald TrumpHe encouraged the Venezuelan army to accept the amnesty offered by Guaidó and to break ranks with Maduro.

"They can choose between accepting the generous amnesty offer of [autoproclamado] President Guaidó and his life at peace with their families and compatriots, "Trump told 300 Venezuelans in Miami, evoking the army.

"Or they can choose the second way: continue to support Maduro, if they choose this way, they will not find refuge, there will be no easy way out, they will lose everything", he warned.

Guaidó, who proclaimed himself president in January, asked the army to let in next Saturday the humanitarian aid despite the fact that the Maduro government ordered them to block it as a "show" and a prelude to Washington's military action.

(With information from AFP)