The embattled leader of the South American country must go into exile in a country he is “friends” with, US Special Representative Elliott Abrams, as claimed as he branded Mr Maduro’s regime “illegitimate”. Donald Trump has thrown US support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido, who last month declared himself the new leader of the strife-torn South America country. The US President has warned military action against Mr Maduro is “an option”.
Britain has joined other European and South American countries backing Mr Guaido.
Cuba, Russia and China are among the countries that have backed Mr Maduro, with Mr Abrams leading calls for the under-fire President to be removed.
Mr Abrams said: ”I think it is better for the transition to democracy in Venezuela that he be outside the country.
“And there are a number of countries that I think would be willing to accept him.
He added: “The end game for him should be to leave power, and the sooner the better. Because his own situation is only going to decline the longer he clings to power and the more misery there is in Venezuela.”
It comes as tension continues to build in Venezuela, where large-scale protests have been staged against Mr Maduro.
In the capital, Caracas, Mr Maduro appeared at the main Plaza Bolivar urging Venezuelans to sign a petition against US intervention.
He hopes to amass 10 million signatures “for peace”.
Mr Trump’s national security adviser US John Bolton has also urged Mr Maduro to leave Venezuela.
Last week, he tweeted: “I wish Nicolas Maduro and his top advisors a long, quiet retirement, living on a nice beach somewhere far from Venezuela.
“They should take advantage of President Guaido’s amnesty and move on. The sooner the better.”
On January 23, Venezuelan National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaido declared himself the country’s acting president.
Nicolas Maduro attacked it as a coup attempt and severed diplomatic ties with the United States.