Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, speaks during a session of Venezuela's National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela March 6, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany and its European partners will continue to back Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday after the Venezuelan government expelled the German ambassador.

“This is an incomprehensible decision, which escalates the situation instead of easing tensions,” Maas said in a statement. “The European support for Juan Guaido is unwavering.”

He said Germany’s ambassador to Venezuela would be returning home for consultations.