As Venezuela prepares for the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:

On the occasion of the inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the UK Government looks forward to working with the Government and people of Venezuela to strengthen our relationship and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

We are concerned by reports of violence following the elections and call on all sides to work together to reduce tensions and to prevent further incidents.