EU calls for 'utmost restraint' in Venezuela crisis

The European Union on Tuesday called for "utmost restraint" in the Venezuela crisis, as the government vowed to put down what it called an attempted coup by US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The EU is closely following the latest events in Venezuela. We reiterate that there can only be a political, peaceful and democratic way out for the multiple crises the country is facing," EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

"The European Union rejects any form of violence and calls for utmost restraint to avoid the loss of lives and an escalation of tensions." Guaido, Venezuela's self-proclaimed acting president, said Tuesday that troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

But the attempt by Guaido to demonstrate growing military support disintegrated into rioting as palls of black smoke rose over eastern Caracas and the government said it was "deactivating" an attempted coup by a small group of "treacherous" soldiers.

Mogherini said the EU "firmly stands with the Venezuelan people and its legitimate democratic aspirations".

"We will continue to spare no efforts to achieve a reinstatement of democracy and rule of law, through free and fair elections, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution," Mogherini said.