Sending food back to the kitchen?

[rooster59]

U.S. calls on world to 'pick a side' on Venezuela; Europeans set to recognise Guaido

By Michelle Nichols and Mayela Armas

 

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido waves to his supporters during a rally with members of the Venezuela’s National Assembly regarding an amnesty law project for members of the military, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 26, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

 

UNITED NATIONS/CARACAS (Reuters) - The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

 

In heated back-and-forth exchanges at a United Nations Security Council meeting, the opposing camp led by Venezuela and Russia, which has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, accused Washington of attempting a coup, and lambasted Europeans' demand that elections be called within eight days.

 

Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday.

The United States, Canada and a string of Latin American countries recognised the young leader in quick succession.

Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down.

 

But on Saturday Guaido gained support from a key military official. Venezuela's defence attache to Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, told Reuters that he has broken with the Maduro government and recognised Guaido as interim president.

 

Speaking at the U.N. meeting, called by the United States, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro's "socialist experiment" had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food.

 

"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 council. "We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela's democratic transition and interim President Guaido's role."

 

Pompeo also called on the international community to disconnect their financial systems from Maduro's regime.

Washington has signalled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power, but on Saturday Pompeo declined to elaborate on any such plans.

 

By overcoming opposition to holding the U.N. meeting on Saturday, Washington successfully put the global spotlight on Venezuela as a Security Council problem. However, any council action to address the crisis would be blocked by veto-powers Russia and China, diplomats said.

 

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would recognise Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections in eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

 

"Europe is giving us eight days? Where do you get that you have the power to establish a deadline or an ultimatum to a sovereign people?" Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told the Security Council.

 

Russia also said military intervention in Venezuela should be avoided at any cost, while Caracas reiterated that its offer of dialogue with President Donald Trump's government was still on the table despite his administration's two-year campaign against Maduro.

 

"If President Trump, like other presidents of the United States, is in search of war to show he can govern and to stimulate the economy, he won't get that war in Venezuela," Arreaza told reporters later.

 

'FULL SUPPORT'

 

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million percent this year.

 

Maduro cruised to re-election last May after blocking the main opposition leaders from taking part. Critics accused the government of vote buying. The domestic opposition, the United States and right-leaning Latin American governments declined to recognise the result of the ballot.

 

Venezuelan opposition sympathizers had been urging Guaido to assume the presidency since Maduro was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Caracas earlier this week, calling on Maduro to step down.

 

Guaido's declaration of himself as the interim president takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognised abroad as legitimate but without control over state functions.

 

On Saturday, Guaido celebrated the support of European countries and asked them to send humanitarian aid to help relieve the economic crisis. "We woke up today with nothing less than the full support of the European community," Guaido said at a small political event in a square in the capital Caracas.

 

"Several European countries have been in touch with us and are going to support the entry of humanitarian aid. ... We continue adding countries to this great effort," he said.

 

The Maduro government has previously rejected such aid, denying there is a humanitarian crisis in the country and blaming economic problems on sanctions.

 

After Washington's declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

 

Some U.S. embassy staff left Caracas on Friday, and Venezuela was withdrawing staff from Washington on Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement

 

However, Maduro softened his demand that all U.S. embassy staff withdraw by Saturday.

 

Instead, the two countries will seek an agreement to replace the embassies with "Interest Offices" in their respective capitals within 30 days, the statement said. If that fails, the missions would close.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-01-27

 

 

[Lungstib]

15 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

"Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side.

Brings back memories of "You are either with us or against us" from that other great proponent of democracy, George W.  Why do modern politicians confuse their roles with military generals?

Politics; the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

Its that 'especially the debate' that we need to focus on. There is nothing wrong in remaining neutral and hoping to convince the two sides to come to an agreement without a war. How about the Venezuelans determining what becomes of their country?  

[smedly]

the most oil rich country on the planet - who took all the money over decades  ?

 

corruption that is probably worse than Thailand although it could be debated, the amount of money involved is just spread about more in LOS but is still huge

 

human greed knows no bounds 

[Tug]

Sad story such potential 

[Jingthing]

Brings back memories of "You are either with us or against us" from that other great proponent of democracy, George W.  Why do modern politicians confuse their roles with military generals?

Politics; the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

Its that 'especially the debate' that we need to focus on. There is nothing wrong in remaining neutral and hoping to convince the two sides to come to an agreement without a war. How about the Venezuelans determining what becomes of their country?  

Maduro will not negotiate without being strongly pressured. He is funded by Putin and with that money keeps his army loyal. The key is to turn his army. The vast majority of the people there oppose Maduro. They're dealing with 10 million percent annual inflation. Try to imagine that.

 

Here is the list of nations recognizing the new president

 

ArgentinaBrazilCanadaChileColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorGuatemalaHondurasPanamaParaguayPeruUnited KingdomUnited States

 

EU nations say they will follow in about 9 days if Maduro fails to agree to elections which of course he won't.

 

 

 

 

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[Boon Mee]

The only objective choice. Guaido is a hard-core Socialist but the better alternative to Maduro. 

[milwaukeeboy]

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.

They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.

.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

[Jingthing]

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.
They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.
.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

It's not tough at all. Some of us aren't simple minded.

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[geriatrickid]

2 minutes ago, milwaukeeboy said:

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.

They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.

.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

They don't need to side with  Trump. They can side with the Free World led by the Lima  12 who are seeking a peaceful solution in Venezuela.  The USA is following the Lima 12 and the dominant voices are  Panama, Columbia  and Canada and now Brazil. It is so typical that people are blaming the USA, but this isn't driven by Trump's agenda. Both Columbia and Brazil  are saddled with millions of refugees.

[Credo]

8 minutes ago, milwaukeeboy said:

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.

They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.

.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

I think a lot of people are siding with the people of Venezuela and what they want.   

[Jingthing]

I think a lot of people are siding with the people of Venezuela and what they want.   

Exactly. Which is for Maduro to be gone. But it's bigger than only Venezuela because of the refugee situation potentially destabilizing much of Latin America.

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[fxe1200]

Bravo! Venezuela next!

 

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, fxe1200 said:

Bravo! Venezuela next!

 

Irrelevant. Did you see the list of nations that recognize the new Venezuelan president? Consider looking at the specific case of Venezuela today instead of falling back to knee jerk Damn Yankees mode.

[Jingthing]

I'm about as anti-"trump" as you can possibly get.

Occasionally, he tells the truth (mostly not though) and occasionally he supports an issue worthy of support (recently in the U.S. there was a bipartisan reform for prisoners). 

This international movement to help the Venezuelan people get from under the yoke of Putin backed dictator Maduro  is not owned by "trump" or the USA.

There is a great deal of solidarity in Latin America that has been the impetus.

It has now reached a possibly consequential point but no assurances whatsoever that Maduro won't prevail. He probably will and that's a tragedy.

Edited January 27, 2019 by Jingthing

[Mavideol]

what surprised me was the call from the US to the UN security council, why waste time, they knew ahead the result of the vote Maduro backed by Putin, China best Putin allied, Putin and Xi both have veto power at the UN security council nothing will get thru that can possible damage Putin or Xi's interests, only a blind didn't saw it

[Jingthing]

5 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

what surprised me was the call from the US to the UN security council, why waste time, they knew ahead the result of the vote Maduro backed by Putin, China best Putin allied, Putin and Xi both have veto power at the UN security council nothing will get thru that can possible damage Putin or Xi's interests, only a blind didn't saw it

Of course it was known China and Russia would veto.

Why?

I guess to elevate the issue to the public internationally. 

Stuff can happen without the U.N.

The fact that the E.U. is demanding an election within nine days or they will recognize Guaido.

There was just a military defection from Maduro to Guaido by Col. Jose Luis Silva Silva.

Hopefully a wave will follow.

They are being offered amnesty if they cooperate peacefully.

Of course it's always largely about the money. Without the money to pay off his military, he sinks.

Good news there as well. Bank of England just blocked a 1.2 billion dollar withdrawal attempt by Maduro. 

Hopefully, there is momentum building to topple Maduro.

 

 

 

[Mavideol]

54 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Of course it was known China and Russia would veto.

Why?

I guess to elevate the issue to the public internationally. 

Stuff can happen without the U.N.

The fact that the E.U. is demanding an election within nine days or they will recognize Guaido.

There was just a military defection from Maduro to Guaido by Col. Jose Luis Silva Silva.

Hopefully a wave will follow.

They are being offered amnesty if they cooperate peacefully.

Of course it's always largely about the money. Without the money to pay off his military, he sinks.

Good news there as well. Bank of England just blocked a 1.2 billion dollar withdrawal attempt by Maduro. 

Hopefully, there is momentum building to topple Maduro.

 

 

 

somebody once said.... """" The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.....""" because Russians and Chinese are behind

[Becker]

3 hours ago, milwaukeeboy said:

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.

They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.

.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

So the choice is between Trump or his boss - tough one!

BTW, since Trump has shown the way on collusion would you blame others if they did the same?

[newatthis]

3 hours ago, milwaukeeboy said:

This is a tough one for the hordes of Trump haters here.

They need to side with Trump on Venezuela.

.... Or side with Putin. (Colluding with Russia)

Or we can mind our own business and enjoy life. 

[Respectthailand]

Amazing that an administration that has turned a blind eye to and even praised the leader of the most repressive regime in the world is asking others to shun venezuela.

I suspect maduro has more scruples than trump

[Baerboxer]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Maduro will not negotiate without being strongly pressured. He is funded by Putin and with that money keeps his army loyal. The key is to turn his army. The vast majority of the people there oppose Maduro. They're dealing with 10 million percent annual inflation. Try to imagine that.

 

Here is the list of nations recognizing the new president

 

ArgentinaBrazilCanadaChileColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorGuatemalaHondurasPanamaParaguayPeruUnited KingdomUnited States

 

EU nations say they will follow in about 9 days if Maduro fails to agree to elections which of course he won't.

 

 

 

 

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The nations openly supporting Maduro - Russia, China and Turkey. The real bastions of democracy, honesty and integrity!

 

 

[Baerboxer]

36 minutes ago, Respectthailand said:

Amazing that an administration that has turned a blind eye to and even praised the leader of the most repressive regime in the world is asking others to shun venezuela.

I suspect maduro has more scruples than trump

 

I suspect you're wrong.

[Jingthing]

3 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

I suspect you're wrong.

I suspect that question is abstract and irrelevant to this case.

Imagine any country where the elections were massively rigged, the people overwhelmingly oppose the strongman leader of any flavor, millions of refugees have already fled burdening an entire continent, with 10 million percent annual inflation. There is only one correct side in such a situation, with the suffering people rather than with an evil regime of a failed nation. 

Edited January 27, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

The nations openly supporting Maduro - Russia, China and Turkey. The real bastions of democracy, honesty and integrity!

 

 

Yes and to be fair other so called "socialist" nations in Latin America -- Bolivia, Cuba, and now leftist run Mexico. Cuba is a special case because of the close relationship going back with Chavez but I think Mexico is taking that position for domestic political reasons only. 

[Stargeezr]

Did I hear that Maduro, was caught in the UK, trying to withdraw a lot of money, but was refused?

Geezer

Edited January 27, 2019 by Stargrazer9889

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, Stargrazer9889 said:

Did I hear that Maduro, was caught in the UK, tryingbto withdraw a lot of money, but was refused?

Geezer

1.2 billion blocked by the Bank of England. Maduro officials, he wasn't physically there. 

[billd766]

5 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Irrelevant. Did you see the list of nations that recognize the new Venezuelan president? Consider looking at the specific case of Venezuela today instead of falling back to knee jerk Damn Yankees mode.

Why is it irrelevant?

 

It is long past the time that the USA stopped pretending to be the worlds policeman. They have and still keep sticking their nose in other countries business quite often without telling the country what is going on. Think about the successes they have had in the countries on the list above. Check the stars and count the really successful regime changes.

[fxe1200]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Irrelevant. Did you see the list of nations that recognize the new Venezuelan president? Consider looking at the specific case of Venezuela today instead of falling back to knee jerk Damn Yankees mode.

The vasalls of the US will always parrot what they say, even the 51st state of the U.S, Germany. Do not forget, that is the politicians speak like that. But ask the people in Germany or other countries. Nobody want to hear that, that " all options are on the table".

[Jingthing]

The vasalls of the US will always parrot what they say, even the 51st state of the U.S, Germany. Do not forget, that is the politicians speak like that. But ask the people in Germany or other countries. Nobody want to hear that, that " all options are on the table".

Read the list again. Hardly all vassals. You might be confusing recognizing the new president and similar non violent pressure tactics with promotion of a foreign military invasion. Not the same thing at all.

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[Jingthing]

Why is it irrelevant?
 
It is long past the time that the USA stopped pretending to be the worlds policeman. They have and still keep sticking their nose in other countries business quite often without telling the country what is going on. Think about the successes they have had in the countries on the list above. Check the stars and count the really successful regime changes.

The US one of many nations taking measures. Is Peru the policeman of the world?

Duh.

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