The United States insists that Nicolas Maduro resign as President and leave Venezuela, for example, on Cuba or in Russia. This statement was made on Thursday by the US special representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams during a briefing for journalists in the state Department.

“I think it is better for the transition to democracy in Venezuela that he [Maduro] was outside the country. Several States, in my opinion, will be ready to accept him… He has friends in places such as Cuba and Russia,” said Abrams.

He also said that the time for us dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has long passed.

“Maduro has proven in the past that he will manipulate the negotiations to gain profit. The time for dialogue with Maduro is long gone, ” he said.

On January 23, Guaido, whose appointment to the post of speaker of Parliament two days earlier revoked by the Supreme Court of Venezuela, declared himself the acting President of the country. On the same day, the USA recognized him as the interim head of state, the countries of the Lima Group (with the exception of Mexico), the Organization of American States and a number of other countries joined them. The current President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro called the incident a coup attempt and announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the United States.

Several European countries presented Maduro with an ultimatum to hold early presidential elections, and after it expires also recognized Guaido the interim President. In support of Maduro expressed Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Syria and Turkey.