Venezuela: EU condemns Venezuela's use of force in election, may not recognize results

The European Union condemned on Monday what it said was excessive use of force by state troops in Venezuela and said it was unlikely to recognize results of elections on Sunday that were marred by deadly clashes.

Sunday marked one of the deadliest days since massive protests started in early April in Venezuela and voters broadly boycotted an election for a constitutional super-body sought by the unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

"We will not recognize this election," said Antonio Tajani, head of the European Parliament. "It is very clear that the current regime is clinging to power. The will of the people is to change the regime. It is necessary to go to elections now." 

The bloc's executive European Commission also said it had "serious doubts" about whether to recognize the result.

 Read more: EU condemns Venezuela's use of force in election, may not recognize results