Australia has announced it will recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president.
Venezuela centrist opposition leader Juan Guaidó, left, has made a claim to the presidency and called for elections as the leftist incumbent Nicolas Maduro faces massive protests against his rule across the country. Photo: AFP
It follows similar decisions by the US, Canada, Germany and a number of South American nations, amid calls for President Nicolas Maduro to step down.
Mr Maduro is still clinging to power and continues to have the support of the military at this stage.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has said it would not be giving official recognition to either side.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said Venezuela should be allowed to decide its own fate through free and fair elections.