US Suspects Election Results, Vladimir Putin Instead Selamati Maduro Returns To Be Venezuelan President

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Nicolas Maduro for his re-elect as president of Venezuela.

Putin said Moscow was pleased with the strategic partnership with the South American country by emphasizing that Maduro was always welcome in Russia.

"Russia-Venezuela relations have a strategic partnership character," Putin said in his message to Maduro, the Kremlin said.

"I am sure that your activities as head of state will continue to contribute to their progressive development in all directions," continued Putin.

"I would like to affirm our readiness to continue constructive cooperation on topical issues in the bilateral and international agenda. Remember that you have always been a guest welcomed on Russian soil," Putin said.

Maduro and rivals to oppositionruno Gonzalez both claimed victory in the presidential election when Washington and other foreign governments doubted the official outcome that gave incumbent victory.

The national election authority said right after midnight, Sunday, July 28, Maduro won a third term of office with 51 percent of the votes results that would extend a quarter century of socialist power.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had serious concerns that the results announced by election authorities did not reflect the true voice of the people.

The authority is intended as an independent body, but the opposition said the agency acted as an extension of the Maduro government.