The United States will retain diplomatic relations with Venezuela despite an earlier decision by Niсolas Maduro to sever diplomatic ties with Washington.
"The United States will conduct diplomatic relations with Venezuela through the government of interim President Juan Guaido. The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime. The United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations," the U.S. Department of State wrote on Facebook.
The statement adds that the U.S. will take "appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel."
As reported earlier, Nicolas Maduro was inaugurated for his second term as Venezuelan president on Jan 10, 2019, after the elections held May 20, 2018, securing his tenure until 2025.
Read alsoVenezuela's Maduro says he is breaking diplomatic relations with U.S. – media
The Venezuelan CEC claimed he had received about 70% of the votes.
This marked the beginning of mass riots and an attempt to topple the country's leadership.
The events began to spiral out of control as opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the new leader, while the National Assembly declared Guaido interim president.
The United States immediately recognized Guaido a legitimate Venezuelan leader. In response, Nicolas Maduro said the country was severing diplomatic ties with the United States. He gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.
