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Italy Refuses to Recognize Venezuelan Constituent Assembly – Prime Minister

© AP Photo / Geert Vanden WijngaertItalian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni listens to questions during a media conference at the end of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, March 10, 2017
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni listens to questions during a media conference at the end of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, March 10, 2017 - Sputnik International
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Italy does not recognize the National Constituent Assembly of Venezuela and believes that the situation in the country comes close to a civil war, according to Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

An anti-government demonstrator aims a slingshot during clashes with security forces along a highway in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, June 19, 2017 - Sputnik International
Venezuela Constituent Assembly Voting Rocked by Deadly Protests, Int'l Criticism
ROME (Sputnik) — Italy does not recognize the National Constituent Assembly of Venezuela and believes that the situation in the country comes close to a civil war, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Monday.

"The situation is on the edge of a civil war and establishment of a dictatorial regime. Italy does not recognize the Constitutional Assembly wanted by [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro," Gentiloni said in an interview with TG5 channel.

Italy is concerned with the fate of 130,000 Venezuelans of Italian origin, and Rome pledges its support to them, the prime minister added.

On Sunday, Maduro’s government held election to a National Constituent Assembly, that would have the power to amend the country’s constitution. The opposition did not recognize the election, which took place against the backdrop of mass protests across the country. According to the latest data, at least 16 people were killed on the election day.

Several countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Peru and the United States, as well as the European Union, already announced their refusal to recognize the election.

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