Putin Accuses the United States of ‘Meddling’ in Venezuela’s Affairs
Russian leader says foreign interference Violates International Law
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Russin leader Vladimir Putin vowed his support for the elected government of Venezuela before criticizing “destructive external meddling” from outside foreign powers.
Putin vowed support to the legitimate authorities of Venezuela as tens of thousands ousted the country's "illegitimate" leader, Nicolas Maduro, with US President Donald Trump declaring on Wednesday that he would recognize the opposition leader as interim head.
The Russian leader insisted the crisis was caused by “destructive external interference that grossly violates the most basic norms of the international law.”
Putin and Maduro also vowed to continue cooperating as countries.
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Venezuela's political crisis took a nosedive following the US’ decision not to recognize the results of the last elections, leading to Maduro entering his second six-year term.
Donald Trump announced his decision to recognizes Guaido as the “interim president,” minutes after the latter swore himself in.
In a tweet, President Trump said:
"The citizens of Venezuela have suffered for too long at the hands of the illegitimate Maduro regime."
"Today, I have officially recognized the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, as the Interim President of Venezuela."
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Maduro to step down while calling on the country’s military to support “democracy.”
The citizens of Venezuela have suffered for too long at the hands of the illegitimate Maduro regime. Today, I have officially recognized the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, as the Interim President of Venezuela. https://t.co/WItWPiG9jK
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2019
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According to RT: Elsewhere in the Americas, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru all followed suit within two hours of the US move.
They were backed by the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as Canada.
France and Britain joined the chorus on Thursday.
London claimed that Maduro is “not a legitimate leader” of Venezuela while Paris said that Maduro’s election was “illegal” and “Europe supports the restoration of democracy.”
Venezuela has endured a prolonged period of economic instability and hyperinflation, worsened by the gradually mounting external pressure.
Maduro’s opponents blame the crisis on the socialist government, which, for its part, claims that the dissent is deliberately stirred up by the US and other foreign powers.
The US has greatly expanded its economic sanctions against the oil-rich country, proclaiming “support” towards Venezuelan people at the same time. Said sanctions, however, have mainly hit the country’s citizens, many analysts argue.
