Bolton eyes coalition to support government change in Venezuela

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U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Sunday that the U.S. plans to form a coalition to change the Venezuelan government, adding his administration is not afraid to use the "Monroe Doctrine" in Venezuela-related issues.

"We are trying to rally support for the peaceful transition of power from Maduro to Juan Guaido, whom we recognize as the president," Bolton said during an interview with CNN's "State of the Union."

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks to the media before the arrival of President Donald Trump at a rally at Florida International University, February 18, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I'd like to see as broad a coalition as we can put together to replace Maduro ... That's what we are trying to do."

When asked if the "U.S. support for other brutal dictators around the world undermines the credibility" of his argument, Bolton said, "No, I don't think it does. I think this is separate."

He explained that the Trump administration is not afraid to use the phrase "Monroe Doctrine" in its aggressive Venezuela policy, referring to the U.S. foreign policy from an earlier era calling for its leadership in the Western Hemisphere through interventionism in the domestic policy of other nations in the region.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures while delivering a speech in the framework of the "Youth Day" celebrations at the Bolivar Square in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2019. /VCG Photo)

"In this administration, we're not afraid to use the word 'Monroe Doctrine.' This is a country in our hemisphere," Bolton said. "Part of the problem in Venezuela is the heavy Cuban presence. 20,000 to 25,000 Cuban security officials by reports that have been in the public. But this is the sort of thing that we find unacceptable and that's why we're pursuing these policies."

The administration of President Donald Trump recognized Guaido as the nation's "interim president" on January 23, days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was inaugurated for a second term as president.

In response, Maduro severed "diplomatic and political" ties with the U.S.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday revoked the visas of 49 Maduro-aligned individuals. Later on Friday, U.S. Treasury Department slapped fresh sanctions on six Venezuelan security officials aligned with Maduro.

(Cover: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro waves during the celebration of the International Peoples' Assembly in Caracas, February 26, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency