John Bolton Thanks Bakhtadze for Recognizing Interim President of Venezuela

US Secretary of the State Security Council and National Security Advisor, John Bolton, thanked Georgia's Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze for recognizing Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela.

Bolton took to Twitter to express his appreciation of the Georgian PM. He said that during a phone conversation with Bakhtadze, the sides also discussed important issues of mutual cooperation.

Yesterday I spoke with Prime Minister Bahktadze to express appreciation for Georgia’s recognition of interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. We discussed other important bilateral issues, including pushing forward to enhance our security cooperation.

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 29, 2019

Tweeting on 24 January, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said “Georgia recognizes Juan Guaido as Interim President of Venezuela. We express hope thatNational Assembly of Venezuela will establish a transitional government, prepare free & fair elections & ensure peaceful transition of power. Georgia supports the courageous people of Venezuela in their fight for democracy.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani also tweeted his recognition of the new president and supports their fight for freedom and democracy.

On 23 January, Guaido urged supporters to take to the streets in an attempt to oust President Nicolas Maduro. He then declared himself acting President in the crisis-ridden South American country.

 By Thea Morrison