Italy: New presidential election needed soon in Venezuela Italy's populist government wants a presidential election soon in Venezuela but isn't joining EU allies in recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president

ROME -- Italy's populist government is calling for elections soon in Venezuela but is stopping short of joining its European Union allies in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi, addressing lawmakers Tuesday, said his government wants "new presidential elections as soon as possible" in Venezuela. Moavero said the 2018 election was "invalidated in their correctness, fairness and legality," leaving Nicolas Maduro without "democratic legitimacy" as president. Moavero said "free, transparent and credible" elections are needed.

Italy's allies have pressed Rome to recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader until elections can be held. A delegation representing Guaido lobbied Italy's government and Vatican officials this week in Rome.

Italy's senior governing party, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, has been strongly sympathetic to Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.