Opposition calls for anti-maduro protests
CARACAS: Venezuela’s sidelined opposition-controlled legislature is calling for a mass protest against President Nicolas Maduro in a bid to oust the socialist leader in favour of “a transitional government.” The president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, said on Friday that the constitution gives the legislature the right to assume transitional power after declaring Maduro a “usurper,” but said it would need military backing and for people to take to the streets to demand change.
Guaido called for a mass protest on Jan.23 − the day in 1958 on which the military dictatorship of Marcos Perez Jimenez fell.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described Venezuela’s government under Maduro as illegitimate on Saturday and said the United States would work with like-minded countries in Latin America to restore democracy there.
“The Maduro regime is illegitimate and the United States will work diligently to restore a real democracy to that country,” Pompeo said.
“We are very hopeful we can be a force for good to allow the region to come together to deliver that.” The United States called on Saturday for Venezuela to begin an “orderly transition” to a new government.
“The people of Venezuela deserve to live in freedom in a democratic society governed by the rule of law,” the State Department’s deputy spokesman said.
“It is time to begin the orderly transition to a new government,” spokesman Robert Palladino said.
Brazil’s government on Saturday issued a statement saying it recognised Venezuela’s Congressional leader as the rightful president of Venezuela.
Inwashington,oassecretarygeneral Luis Almagro recognised Guaido as head of state, as the person at the top of Venezuela’s only legitimate governing body.
Prisonsministeririsvarelathreatened Guaido on Twitter, saying she had a cell ready for him − as Maduro dismissed the opposition as “little boys.” “I hope you quickly name your cabinet to know who is going to accompany you,” Varela said.
“The United States government will continue to use the full weight of US economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela,” he said.
Initslateststatement,theunitedstates reafirmed its support for the National Assembly and in favor of a “transitional government.” The US statement said, “We stand with the Venezuelan people, and we praisetheiercecommitmenttodemocratic principles of the elected members of the Venezuelan National Assembly.”