Soldiers promise Maduro support
The struggle for control of Venezuela turned to the military yesterday, with supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido handing leaflets to soldiers detailing a proposed amnesty law that would protect them for helping overthrow President Nicolas Maduro.
At the same time, Maduro demonstrated his might, wearing tan fatigues at military exercises. Flanked by his top brass, Maduro watched heavy artillery fired into a hillside and boarded an amphibious tank.
Addressing soldiers in an appearance on state TV, Maduro asked whether they were plotting with the ‘‘imperialist’’ United States, which he accused of openly leading a coup against him. ‘‘No, my commander-inchief,’’ they shouted in unison, and Maduro responded: ‘‘We’re ready to defend our homeland – under any circumstance.’’
The duelling appeals from the two rivals again put the military center stage in the global debate over who holds a legitimate claim to power in the South American nation.
The standoff has plunged troubled Venezuela into a new chapter of political turmoil that has already left more than two dozen dead as thousands took to the streets demanding Maduro step down. Guaido is calling for two new mass mobilisations over the next week.
The tumult erupted when Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress, declared last week that he has temporarily assumed presidential powers, vowing to hold free elections and end Maduro’s dictatorship.
President Donald Trump and several foreign leaders quickly recognised Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, prompting Maduro to cut ties with the US and order its diplomats from Caracas within 72 hours. The US defied him, saying Maduro isn’t the legitimate president, and Maduro relented, suspending the deadline for 30 days.
Venezuela’s armed forces remain the key to Maduro’s hold on power, firing tear gas and bullets on protesters, killing more than two dozen since Wednesday.
Guaido is urging Venezuelans to exit their homes, offices or wherever they may be on Wednesday for a peaceful, twohour mid-day protest. He is also asking followers to take to the streets again Saturday for demonstrations ‘‘in every corner’’ of the nation and around the globe. That protest is timed to coincide with the European Union deadline for announcing a new election.
‘‘We’re advancing well, Venezuela,’’ Guaido said in his broadcast, streamed live on the internet. ‘‘We’ve restored hope.’’
In light of the ongoing unrest, the Caribbean Professional Baseball Leagues Confederation announced yesterday that organisers decided to not to hold an upcoming tournament in Venezuela. The Caribbean Series will instead be held at alternate yet-to-be-announced venue. The decision came a day after Venezuela Sports Minister Pedro Infante made a plea for the series to take place as planned in Barquisimeto.