07 February 2019•Update: 08 February 2019
By Beyza Binnur Donmez
ANKARA
The Spanish Senate approved a motion Thursday asking the government to protect economic assets of Venezuela.
"The motion also refers to the immobilization of Venezuelan bank funds in Spain and reclaim of the Spanish government to protect the funds and make them available for [Juan] Guaido and his representatives," as quoted by Spanish media.
It was approved by a majority of the Senate and also Pedro Sanchez, head of the Spanish government, to support opposition leader Guaido as interim president and not participate in dialogue proposals which gives time to President Nicolas Maduro to remain in power.
The decision came days after Spain, as well as most EU member states recognized Guaido as president.
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10, when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Tensions climbed Jan. 23 when Guaido declared himself “interim president” but Maduro has so far refused calls to step down.
He accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government and said he is open to dialogue with the opposition.
The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart.
Turkey, Russia, China and Iran have put their weight behind Maduro.
