UN chief concerned over events surrounding Venezuela's election

UNITED NATIONS -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is following with concern the events surrounding the election of the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, his spokesman said on Monday.

"The secretary-general calls on all actors to take immediate steps to lower tensions and to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the political crisis," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in statement.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday recognized the newly elected board of directors of the National Assembly and president of the legislative body, Luis Parra.

Parra's election is a blow to opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela Juan Guaido, who was hoping to be reelected head of the National Assembly, which began its 2020-2021 legislative period on Sunday.