"The situation is on the edge of a civil war and establishment of a dictatorial regime. Italy does not recognize the Constitutional Assembly wanted by [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro," Gentiloni said in an interview with TG5 channel.
Italy is concerned with the fate of 130,000 Venezuelans of Italian origin, and Rome pledges its support to them, the prime minister added.
On Sunday, Maduro’s government held election to a National Constituent Assembly, that would have the power to amend the country’s constitution. The opposition did not recognize the election, which took place against the backdrop of mass protests across the country. According to the latest data, at least 16 people were killed on the election day.
Several countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Peru and the United States, as well as the European Union, already announced their refusal to recognize the election.
