OAS recognizes Guaido envoy until new Venezuela polls

The Organization of American States said Tuesday it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy as Venezuela's delegate to the regional body until new elections are held in the country.

After a heated debate, the OAS permanent council made the decision by a vote of 18 in favour, nine against, and six abstentions. One delegate was absent. The new delegate is Gustavo Tarre.

The move is yet another blow against President Nicolas Maduro, and was vehemently opposed by the delegate of the beleaguered leader, who is locked in a power struggle with Guaido.

Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, is recognized by more than 50 countries, led by the US, as the oil-rich but economically crippled country's legitimate interim president.

The OAS permanent council brings together the ambassadors of all 34 OAS member states. It is the organization's top body.

The council asked OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to send the text to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The text states that "Nicolas Maduro's presidential authority lacks legitimacy and his designations for government posts, therefore, lack the necessary legitimacy."