<article><p class="lead">Venezuela´s military leaders declared support for Nicolas Maduro as president and vowed to "categorically reject all actions to install a parallel government" led by Juan Guaidó.</p><p>The declaration sets up a potentially explosive standoff in the Opec country, where the US, Canada, and most of Latin America recognized Guaidó as interim president yesterday. Russia, China and Turkey back Maduro. State-owned oil company PdV and its joint ventures with foreign companies are operating as usual for now, but there is apprehension over where Venezuela is headed, oil industry officials tells <i>Argus</i>.</p><p>At least 14 Venezuelans have died in clashes with security forces since 22 January, according to Venezuelan human rights group Provea.</p><p>"We are here to avoid confrontation between Venezuelans," defense minister Vladimir Padrino said before reading from a prepared statement that was echoed by a similar declaration issued simultaneously by the military´s regional command (REDI).</p><p>The military calls for "serious dialogue" but warns the opposition that efforts to install Guaidó as president "are very dangerous for the integrity of Venezuela and social peace," Padrino read. </p><p>He said Venezuela´s military "recognizes president Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela elected by a majority on May 20, 2018," referring to Maduro´s re-election that the US and many other governments deem illegitimate.</p><p>Flanked by the military´s highest-ranking officers, Padrino accused the US government explicitly of orchestrating an international campaign to topple Maduro's presidency. "This is a coup against our legitimate president Nicolas Maduro," Padrino said. The military "ratifies its unrestricted support for the constitution and national laws." </p><p>Padrino said Venezuela's armed forces "reject the vulgar interventionism of foreign governments that do not respect international rule of law and the right self-determination."</p><p>He added that the military "will guarantee the peace and the correct functioning of our institutions, and we will not tolerate violent groups."</p></article>
