Venezuela's military reaffirms loyalty to Maduro

World
Europe

Venezuela's security forces reiterated their support to President Nicolas Maduro on Friday after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggested that the military could topple Maduro in a coup.

Before embarking on a five-nation tour across Latin America, the US top diplomat said on Thursday militaries in the region often "handled" transitions from bad governments, but insisted he was not advocating "regime change."

Tillerson noted that the 1823 Monroe Doctrine is "as relevant today as it was the day it was written." The 19th century US foreign policy is widely seen in Latin America as a justification for Washington's armed intervention in the region.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino (C) Lopez talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, February 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

In response, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino accused the US of seeking to undermine democracy in Latin America and return to the days of "imperialism," saying that Tillerson's Latin American tour was aimed at fomenting a regional "intervention" against Venezuela's socialist government.

"The armed forces radically reject such deplorable remarks that constitute a vile act of interference," he said on state television, flanked by military top brass, before reading a formal statement of support for Maduro.

Venezuela's crisis

Venezuela is engulfed in a prolonged political and economic crisis. Amid violent protests, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice took over legislative powers of the opposition-controlled National Assembly on March 29, 2017. Four months later, allies of Maduro won a controversial election of a powerful Constitute Assembly, which was boycotted by the opposition.

Representatives of Venezuela's government and opposition held rounds of talks in the Dominican Republic, but no concrete agreement has been reached.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (L) and First Lady Cilia Flores greet supporters during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, January 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

On Friday, Maduro was picked by the ruling party as its candidate in the presidential elections slated for the end of April. He said the vote will take place "with or without" the opposition's participation.

Opposition leaders have long urged the military to take action against Maduro. The Venezuelan president claims the US and opposition parties are part of an international right-wing conspiracy to oust him and get their hands on the OPEC nation's oil wealth.

Mexico calls for peaceful solution

Tillerson's first tour of Latin America got off to a rocky start on Friday with US ally Mexico distancing itself from his coup suggestion about Venezuela.

"Mexico, in no case, would back any option that implies the use of violence, internal or external, to resolve the case of Venezuela," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said at a news conference, flanked by Tillerson and Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives in Mexico City, Mexico, February 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

"It will have to be the Venezuelans themselves who find a peaceful route, a peaceful solution to this crisis," he said.

Tillerson, in Mexico on the first leg of a trip that will also take in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Jamaica, did not repeat his comments about military action, but reiterated a call for Maduro to reinstate a legislative assembly and hold free and fair elections.

(With input from AFP)

14414km