Edmundo González said the government made him sign a document recognizing President Nicolás Maduro as the election winner before he could flee to Spain.

Spain has denied involvement in talks between Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and President Nicolas Maduro's government for his flight to Spain, before which he signed a letter saying he accepted Maduro's election victory.

Venezuela’s former opposition candidate says he was coerced into signing a letter effectively recognizing his defeat in July’s presidential election.

The U.S. government and others around the world have accused Maduro of stealing the July 28 presidential election.

Edmundo González claims he was coerced into recognising President Nicolás Maduro's victory in disputed elections.

CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who stood against President Nicolas Maduro in July's election, on Wednesday said he was forced to sign a letter accepting a ruling from the country's top court which recognized Maduro's victory.

Venezuela’s opposition candidate was forced to admit Nicolas Maduro as the election winner in July. Edmundo Gonzalez released a video message on Wednesday claiming that the Maduro regime pressured him into signing a letter stating he lost the election.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González claims the regime forced him to sign a letter recognizing Nicolás Maduro as the winner of July's disputed presidential election. "Either I signed or I would face consequences,