EU condemns Venezuelan efforts to prosecute Guaido - statement

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela April 2, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union governments condemned on Thursday a measure by Venezuela's Constituent Assembly that allows for the trial of opposition leader Juan Guaido, considered by many Western nations as the de facto head of state.

"The EU rejects the decision taken by the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly to lift Juan Guaido's parliamentary immunity. This decision constitutes a serious violation of the Venezuelan constitution, as well as of the rule of law and separation of power," the EU said in a statement.

"These acts undermine a political way out of the crisis and only lead to further polarisation and escalation of tensions in the country," the statement said.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Gareth Jones)