US, major South American powers recognise Nicolas Maduro opponent as Venezuelan President

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader on Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

Major regional players Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina all gave their backing to Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president, which he made in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Caracas.