MADRID (AP) — Ex-Spanish premier Jose Maria Aznar and 23 former Latin American leaders have a signed a declaration expressing concern over the perceived collapse of constitutional order in Venezuela and protesting alleged "political persecution" of opposition parties there.

The statement, released Wednesday by Aznar's FAES analysis group, warned of an economic, political and governability crisis in Venezuela and called on regional leaders and international bodies to express solidarity with Venezuelans.

The statement, drawn up by the Democratic Initiative of Spain and the Americas group of former leaders, was signed by ex-presidents Fernando de La Rua of Argentina and Vicente Fox of Mexico, among others.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this week announced a 60-day state of emergency that gives him decree powers to intervene in the country. The opposition has condemned the move.