By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA

A major U.S. ally in the far-east on Tuesday formally extended support to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.

“We express our clear support for interim President Guaido,” The Mainichi newspaper quoted Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during a news conference. “Japan hopes a free and fair election will be held swiftly.”

He said the Japanese government will continue to provide necessary support to the people of Venezuela and neighboring countries affected by the turmoil.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Nicholas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.

Several South American countries, Russia and Turkey have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.

The U.S.-led West and countries in Europe have put their weight behind Guaido and recognized him as the “president” of the South American oil-rich country.

Guaido, who is president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, then declared himself Venezuela's acting president. However, the Supreme Court said Feb. 8 Guaido’s decision to declare himself interim president was “null and void”.