Zurich denies talks with Guaido about Venezuelan officials bank accounts freezing

Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger denied that President Ueli Maurer had talks with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido over freezing bank accounts of Venezuelan officials after "improper handling of the republic's accounts" was discovered.

On Wednesday, Guaido said that the Venezuelan opposition was discussing the possibility of freezing accounts of the Venezuelan government in banks in Switzerland with the country's leadership, adding that he had discussed the issue with Maurer.

"There was no contact between Mr. Gauido and President Maurer," Eltschinger said as quoted by Swissinfo media outlet.

The situation in crisis-torn Venezuela escalated on January 23 when Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's reelection of President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and some other countries, including Brazil. Russia, China, Mexico, among other nations, voiced support for Maduro, who, in turn, accused Washington of orchestrating a coup.