Venezuela's top military representative to the US has defected from Nicolás Maduro's government. Col José Luis Silva says he now recognises opposition leader Juan Guaidó as president instead. Mr Guaidó declared himself "acting president" on Wednesday, gaining the backing of several countries including the US. Meanwhile, Mr Maduro has rejected demands by European countries to call elections. Several countries including Spain, Germany, France and the UK said on Saturday they would recognise Mr Guaidó as president if elections were not called within eight days. "They should withdraw this ultimatum. Venezuela is not tied to Europe. This is complete insolence," Mr Maduro told CNN Turk. President Maduro was sworn in for a second term earlier this month after an election marred by an opposition boycott and allegations of vote-rigging, leading to large anti-Maduro protests. Tens of thousands have protested against Mr Maduro, but, crucially, he has retained the support of the country's military so far. AFP.