Australia concerned about Venezuela unrest
Australia has expressed deep concerns about deadly mass protests and deep political unrest in Venezuela.
Canberra has used its official diplomatic channels to urge the Latin American nation to hold presidential elections as soon as possible.
"We are very concerned at what is a clearly deteriorating political, economic, security and humanitarian situation in Venezuela," Foreign Minister Marise Payne told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
"It is having significant effects across the Latin American region."
Venezuala is gripped by mass protests against President Nicolas Maduro, who has overseen years of economic freefall in the natural resources-rich South American nation.
Senator Payne has indicated Australia may follow US President Donald Trump in recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.
"We will consider those matters," the minister said.
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