Mike Pompeo says UN security council and other countries must take sides in Venezuela battle

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on the United Nations Security Council that it was time now for countries to pick a side on Venezuela after Washington recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American nation's head of state. "Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. No more delays, no more games. Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo told a meeting on Venezuela, referring to Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, who Washington is urging to step down. Russia has opposed the U.S. efforts and has accused Washington of backing a coup attempt, placing Venezuela at the heart of a growing geopolitical duel.