AS tensions escalate in neighbouring Venezuela, the Government of Guyana says it is monitoring the situation and taking note of the consequences including peace and security in the region.

This week, a new wave of protests, backed by Venezuela’s US-backed Leader, Juan Guaido, and Opposition figure, Leonoldo Lopez, has seen mass protests escalate into tense battles on the streets of Caracas with sections of the military siding with the protestors.

On Wednesday, the Government of Guyana reiterated its rejection of violence and the threat or use of force as acceptable means for the resolution of conflicts. It called on all parties involved “to vigorously pursue the search for a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis for the benefit and well-being of the Venezuelan people.”

According to the BBC, Guaido has called for more strength from supporters and it was noted that pro-government supporters are also out at rallies. “We will keep going with more strength than ever,” Guaidó tweeted. The rival demonstrations come after President Nicolás Maduro said he had stopped an “attempted coup” on Tuesday, the BBC said.
Guaidó says he is backed by members of the armed forces, but Maduro insists he still has their support. In a fiery television address on Tuesday, Maduro accused protesters of “serious crimes” which he said would “not go unpunished”, and said the US was plotting against him.

Guaidó declared himself Venezuela’s interim leader in January and has been recognised by more than 50 countries, including the US, the UK and most in Latin America. But according to the BBC, Maduro, backed by Russia, China and the top of the country’s military, has refused to cede leadership to his rival. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said military action was “possible” if necessary, but that the US would prefer a peaceful transition of power. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, warned the US against further “aggressive” steps.

The UN, meanwhile, called on both sides to exercise “maximum restraint”.