The South American nation's power struggle has unleashed a full-blown diplomatic row. The United States and at least a dozen other countries have officially recognized Guaido, while Russia, China and others have thrown their support behind Maduro.
Guaido, who leads Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president Wednesday amid massive anti-government protests. He claims Maduro was illegitimately elected for a second term.
On Saturday, the Venezuelan crisis was hotly debated on both sides of the Atlantic. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked a special meeting of the Security Council to stand behind Guaido's transitional government, while the UK, Spain, Germany and France vowed to recognize him as president unless Maduro calls elections by next week.
"Our nations must stand up for the rule of law and support the leader who the Venezuelan people have affirmed as their legitimate interim president," said Pompeo, calling for a new vote "as soon as possible."
"Now it's time for every other nation to pick a side. No more delays, no more games," Pompeo said. "Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem."
Earlier, UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt joined Spain, Germany and France in delivering Maduro an ultimatum: Guaido will be recognized as president if elections are not called before their deadline.
The EU also warned of "further actions" against Venezuela if elections are not called in the coming days, according to a statement by Federica Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission and high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy.
"The country urgently needs a government that truly represents the will of the Venezuelan people," she said.
Opposition leader asks armed forces to join him
The diplomatic scramble comes a day after the man who proclaimed himself acting Venezuelan president called on the nation's military to work with him.
"Come to the side of the Venezuelan people," Guaido said in a message aimed at the armed forces.
His appeal came during a speech at a public square in Caracas. On Thursday, the head of Venezuela's armed forces announced continued support for Maduro.
Guaido made his first public appearance since his dramatic challenge to the regime Friday. He said a massive rally planned for next week was intended to signal that his movement is gaining momentum.
"The people who think that we are going to fizzle, I think they are not going to be happy," he said. "There are people here in the streets for a long time."
Maduro appeared to leave open the possibility of a political solution Friday, signaling his willingness to sit down with the opposition to end the crisis.
"We believe that it's only possible through dialogue and diplomacy to find solutions to conflicts," he told reporters at the presidential palace, "not through violence or foreign interventions or coup attempts or war."
Deaths in protest-related violence
The crisis has taken this country facing a prolonged political and economic collapse to a new low point.
Pompeo said earlier this week that the United States will offer $20 million for food and medicine shortages "as soon as logistically possible."
A UN human rights official said Friday that at least 20 people had died in protest-related violence this week.
Security forces or members of pro-government armed groups allegedly shot the people during demonstrations Tuesday and Wednesday, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said, citing "credible local sources."
More than 350 demonstrators have reportedly been detained this week, Bachelet's office said.
"I am extremely concerned that the situation in Venezuela may rapidly spiral out of control with catastrophic consequences," Bachelet said.
Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, a nongovernmental organization, reported late Friday that 29 people have been killed in nationwide protests. The group said the count started at midnight Wednesday.
CNN could not independently confirm either count.
Pompeo told reporters Friday that he had appointed Elliott Abrams, former deputy national security adviser for President George W. Bush, to lead efforts to resolve the crisis. He said "all appropriate measures" were being taken to ensure the safety of US diplomats in Venezuela.
"Do not test the United States on our resolve to protect our people," Pompeo said Saturday at the United Nations.
Maduro has accused the United States of meddling and has given US diplomats until this weekend to leave his country.
At a presidential palace news conference, days after announcing he was cutting diplomatic ties, the President seemed to soften his stand. He said he had broken "political and diplomatic relations" with President Donald Trump but maintains other relations with the United States.
The United States is Venezuela's biggest and most important oil customer, accounting for 39% of the OPEC nation's deliveries last year, according to ClipperData.
In a statement Friday, the US Treasury Department said it plans to use economic and diplomatic tools to ensure any commercial transactions with the Venezuelan government are "consistent" with the US-recognized government of Venezuela led by Guaido.
Guaido wants Venezuelan diplomats to stay in US
All nonemergency US employees were ordered to leave Venezuela on Thursday, according to a security alert. Pompeo had earlier brushed off Maduro's order that US diplomats leave the country, saying the US doesn't recognize his power to do so.
The US Embassy in Caracas opened Thursday, but all visa appointments were canceled.
Late Thursday, Guaido called on Venezuelan diplomats to stay in the United States.
The opposition leader also said he would consider amnesty for Maduro and his allies if they don't hamper Guaido's ascension to temporary power. He has called for elections.
Countries divided over leadership crisis
While many world leaders expressed their support for Guaido this week, others stood behind Maduro.
Describing Maduro's regime as illegitimate, several countries, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru, recognized Guaido as president.
Russia, China, Cuba and Turkey are among those backing Maduro -- and Moscow in particular has accused the United States of undermining him.
Washington's interference in Venezuela could lead to "lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
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