Venezuala: Blinken congratulates González on winning election as more countries come out against Maduro

US secretary of state also voices concern for opposition candidate's safety while Venezualan government accuses Washington of leading coup attempt'

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has congratulated Edmundo Gonzalez for receiving the most votes" in Venezuela's election, as more countries came out to recognise the opposition candidate as the winner of Sunday's disputed poll.

Blinken spoke with Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in a phone call on Friday and voiced concern for both of them, the state department said. On Thursday, Blinken recognised Gonzalez as the winner of last Sunday's vote, citing overwhelming evidence".