Venezuela: Opposition's Guaido faces treason probe

ANKARA

Venezuela’s attorney general on Friday opened an investigation against the country's opposition leader Juan Guaido for allegedly plotting with foreign powers against the country’s interests.

Speaking on Venezuelan state TV, Tarek William Saab said Guaido is suspected of negotiating over the disputed Essequibo region with Guyana in exchange for foreign support.

Guaido “participated in illegal negotiations, behind the back of the country, meant to withdraw Venezuela's historical claim on the Esequibo territory, in exchange for political support from the United Kingdom for a nonexistent presidency in charge," Saab said.

Esequibo is managed by Guyana but Venezuela has claimed it based on a 1966 agreement.

Venezuela's government has accused Guaido of leading "a criminal group" and urged judicial authorities to take action.

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said before Guaido declared himself interim president, a "Guaido-led criminal organization" worked on the behest of transnational companies to "target Venezuelan oil."

To support her claims, Rodriguez referred to a phone conversation between Guaido advisers accused of working for the U.S. where they supposedly plot over delivery of the territory.

Since the beginning of this year, Venezuela has been embroiled in political unrest as Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro vie for power amid a dire economic crisis.

Guaido in January proclaimed himself Venezuela’s interim president, in a move recognized by more than 50 countries, including the U.S.

But Venezuelan state institutions, the military, and many countries including Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey have put their weight behind Maduro, who was re-elected last year.