Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro warns his country faces civil war if the EU proceeds with its plans to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful leader of Venezuela.
The United States already recognises Mr Guaido as president and president Donald Trump says he will consider sending military assistance if Mr Maduro does not adhere to the EU’s eight day deadline to call an election.
Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have turned out to protest the Maduro government, blaming the sitting president for hyperinflation, and food and medicine shortages.