United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on world leaders to “pick a side” on the escalating political crisis sweeping Venezuela; demanding Europe and other allies oppose socialist President Nicolas Maduro’s brutal regime.
“Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. … Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you’re in league with Maduro and his mayhem,” Pompeo told the UN Security Council. “We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela’s democratic transition and interim President Guaido’s role.”
Pompeo’s comments come days after the Trump administration officially recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the ‘Interim President’ of Venezuela; sparking Maduro to expel all American diplomats from the country.
In a dramatic shift, Britain, Germany, France, and Spain gave Venezuela an eight-day deadline to hold national elections; saying their governments are prepared to join the US and recognize Guaido as the nation’s legitimate leader.
Read the full story at Reuters.
ANOTHER TERM: Venezuela’s Socialist President Sworn-in for SECOND SIX-Year Term
Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro was sworn-in for his second six-year term Thursday; sparking outrage from world leaders and local activists demanding the brutal leader resign from office.
“Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was being sworn in to a second term Thursday amid international calls for him to step down and a devastating economic crisis, but with some long-time friends in attendance both from abroad and at home,” writes the Associated Press.
“A dozen Latin American governments and Canada in a coalition have rejected the legitimacy of Maduro’s next term, and Washington has sanctioned top officials in his government,” adds the article.
Venezuela’s crumbling economy has forced millions to flee the socialist country, where recent polling shows upwards of 80% of the population struggle to find food on a daily basis.
Read the full report at the Associated Press.
BEIJING LIFELINE: Chinese ‘Medical Ship’ Arrives at Venezuela Port for Eight Day Visit
A Chinese medical ship, commonly known as the ‘Peace Ark,’ arrived at the Venezuelan port city of La Guaira over the weekend; delivering much-needed supplies to the once oil-rich nation.
According to Reuters, Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro requested the delivery during a recent trip to Beijing where he met with high-ranking officials with the hopes of securing aid, international funds, and military support for collapsing economy.
“China has been a major backer of Venezuela over the years, with more than a decade of oil-for-loan agreements that helped China secure energy supplies for its fast-growing economy while bolstering an anti-U.S. ally in Latin America,” writes Reuters.
Maduro came under fire last week from Venezuelans and the international community after video of the socialist president surfaced on the internet; sparking outrage as he dined on $100 steaks and smoked lavish cigars.
Read the full report here.