Spain says its companies in Venezuela are calm, have government backing

MADRID, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Spanish government officials said on Wednesday that Spanish companies operating in Venezuela, including oil major Repsol REP.MC, were calm and aware that they had the backing of the government if needed.

The comments follow Spain's warning that it would not recognise a U.S. intervention in Venezuela that violates international law.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said trade relations in Venezuela had reduced significantly in recent years, adding that Spain had maintained the presence of 60 companies.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Madrid was in contact with both Venezuela's new government and the opposition and had spoken last week with opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez.