<span style="color: #222222;">European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini has said that EU will take further actions if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The statement came as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Her statement came after the United States, Canada and major South American governments recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president in a challenge to Maduro.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom have also given Maduro an ultimatum of eight days to call new elections or they will recognise Guaido as president.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, Venezuela's foreign minister rejected a European ultimatum to hold elections within eight days, insisting that Nicolas Maduro remained the legitimate president despite US-led pressure.</span>