Venezuela: Resistance or disintegration?
- Thread starter jhonny
- Start date
I watched a livestream (just ended 10:45 EDT) of the attempts to get the activists out. Lots of noisy crowds for both sides. Several varieties of police came and set up a barrier around 8 pm, and it looked like they were going to breach the door, which the activists had secured from the inside. Instead, they talked to a rep, who's lawyer was there, and three of the group left, leaving four inside, who politely refused to go. The police then secured the door from the outside.
Carlos Vecchio (the "foreign minister) had to leave with his tail between his legs, as he was onsite expecting to make a triumphant entry in "their" embassy. It would have been pointless as he, or anyone he appoints has no authority to issue passports or any sort of official paperwork.
So, at this point, the activists still remain inside, albeit without power or water. The embassy is not in Guaido's hands. I guess the optics of forceably removing US citizens being livestreamed all over the world was judged to be very bad optics, at least by the officers on the ground. That doesn't preclude some sort of pre-dawn raid, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.
The activists are well-schooled in international law, and have proposed from the beginning that the embassy be put under the control of a country that maintains relations with both the US and Ven, as they no longer have relations. This has been the custom for at least a century in times of conflict. Maybe that will be worked out. It's not exactly a face-saving solution for Guaido, nor for the US, but the damage to their reputations in the rest of the world should they go through with this would be incalculable. That Pompeo, Bolton and Abrams are crazy enough not to care, is a scary thought.
It's really an unprecidented situation. Max Blumenthal was on RT (I had two feeds going in two tabs), through all sorts of conflicts the US has been involved in, the enemies embassies have never been touched. Either a neutral country would provide space for the opponant's dipolomatic activities, or the doors of a facility were locked and that was that. Russia's embassy in San Francisco is still closed, but as far as I know, undisturbed.
Carlos Vecchio (the "foreign minister) had to leave with his tail between his legs, as he was onsite expecting to make a triumphant entry in "their" embassy. It would have been pointless as he, or anyone he appoints has no authority to issue passports or any sort of official paperwork.
So, at this point, the activists still remain inside, albeit without power or water. The embassy is not in Guaido's hands. I guess the optics of forceably removing US citizens being livestreamed all over the world was judged to be very bad optics, at least by the officers on the ground. That doesn't preclude some sort of pre-dawn raid, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.
The activists are well-schooled in international law, and have proposed from the beginning that the embassy be put under the control of a country that maintains relations with both the US and Ven, as they no longer have relations. This has been the custom for at least a century in times of conflict. Maybe that will be worked out. It's not exactly a face-saving solution for Guaido, nor for the US, but the damage to their reputations in the rest of the world should they go through with this would be incalculable. That Pompeo, Bolton and Abrams are crazy enough not to care, is a scary thought.
It's really an unprecidented situation. Max Blumenthal was on RT (I had two feeds going in two tabs), through all sorts of conflicts the US has been involved in, the enemies embassies have never been touched. Either a neutral country would provide space for the opponant's dipolomatic activities, or the doors of a facility were locked and that was that. Russia's embassy in San Francisco is still closed, but as far as I know, undisturbed.
angelburst29
The Living Force
In her investigations, I wish Eva Bartlett would look into the activities surrounding that Naval hospital ship? I don't see any references given, as to, the name of the ship? If it's the USNS Comfort hospital ship, I might be a bit concerned? The Comfort hospital ship was docked for three days, off Rockport, Texas after Hurricane Harvey hit the coast in late August 2017. Rumors surfaced of people disappearing, with late night helicopter activity - back and forth to the ship and organ harvesting. Same rumors had surfaced when the ship docked in Haiti, after the 2010 earthquake. The ship has a habit of appearing "weeks after a disaster" and is very selective of the type of care it offers and to the number of patients it receives on ship. If they set up Field Tent clinics, more patients receive help.
'It's time to rise up,' Venezuelan general tells military officers in video
A Venezuelan general called on the country's armed forces on Sunday to rise up against President Nicolas Maduro, who has relied on the backing of the military to hold on to power despite an economic collapse.
“We have to find a way to get rid of the fear, to go out into the streets, to protest, and to seek a military union to change this political system,” Rangel, dressed in a suit with a copy of the constitution in his hand, said in a video posted on YouTube. “It’s time to rise up.”
While Rangel’s pronouncement marks another blow to Maduro after a handful of similar defections by senior officers this year, there is little to indicate that he will tip the scales.
Officers who have disavowed Maduro have fled the country and the military top brass - most notably those who command troops - continues to recognize Maduro.
Air Force Commander Pedro Juliac posted a picture of Rangel on Twitter on Sunday with the words “traitor to the Venezuelan people and the revolution” printed across the image.
Rangel was an active military officer who fled to Colombia last month, according to a source close to Venezuela’s military who asked not to be identified.
Moscow blasts US media reports of tear gas purchases in Malta for Venezuela as fake news
On April 18, some Maltese media reported about Russia’s alleged attempts to buy tear gas in Malta for shipment to Venezuela.
The Russian diplomats who work in Malta do not take part in any covert special operations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Monday in light of the publications in the Maltese press about the alleged purchase of tear gas by the Russian Embassy personnel for further delivery to Venezuela.
"The Russian diplomatic mission in Valletta is working in strict compliance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Russian diplomats do not take part in any secret special operations," the ministry highlighted. "The Russian Embassy in Malta did not receive any official comments from the Maltese authorities."
"The misinformation spread by the Maltese mass media is an example of unprofessionalism, an echo of the anti-Russian hysteria, the stoking of which does not serve the interests of the Russian-Maltese friendship," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
On April 18, some Maltese media reported about Russia’s alleged attempts to buy tear gas and protective gear in Malta for shipment to Venezuela, citing the London office of the US internet portal BuzzFeed News. The reports of an anonymous Maltese official and the alleged diplomatic correspondence between the Russian embassy and representatives for the country of stay were used in the publications as sources.
The second Chinese plane with medical equipment, including medicine and surgical medical supplies has arrived in Caracas.
China sends 2nd medical aid cargo to Venezuela
May 14, 2019
Frame grab from a video provided by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on March 30, 2019 shows a cargo plane carrying medical supplies after landing in Venezuela’s capital Caracas.
China sends 2nd medical aid cargo to Venezuela
May 14, 2019
Frame grab from a video provided by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on March 30, 2019 shows a cargo plane carrying medical supplies after landing in Venezuela’s capital Caracas.
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The embassy activists have been removed. Alex Rubenstein and others reported
statement of those remaining
the fake notice of eviction. No official letterhead, no signatures. Guaido and co are just making things up openly now.
This guy, Ford Fisher, did yeoman work. He was onsite livestreaming for almost 4 hours, long before even RT showed up. He's part of the Grayzone circle of reporters.
So here we are. The US should be disgraced in the eyes of any right-thinking country. I guess Trump continues to unwittingly expose the Deep State, since he allowed this travesty to go forward.
sputniknews.com
statement of those remaining
the fake notice of eviction. No official letterhead, no signatures. Guaido and co are just making things up openly now.
This guy, Ford Fisher, did yeoman work. He was onsite livestreaming for almost 4 hours, long before even RT showed up. He's part of the Grayzone circle of reporters.
So here we are. The US should be disgraced in the eyes of any right-thinking country. I guess Trump continues to unwittingly expose the Deep State, since he allowed this travesty to go forward.
US Law Enforcement Officials Raid Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC
After a standoff lasting more than a month, US police have elected to end the siege of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC, by declaring the Embassy Protection Collective to be tresspassers who must leave the property, and...
sputniknews.com
Ford Fischer's highlight roundup of the events. About 9 minutes total
angelburst29
The Living Force
Venezuelan security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the parliament building for a session on Tuesday, a week after the top court stripped several lawmakers of their immunity amid a political crisis in the South American country.
Venezuela security forces block opposition lawmakers from entering parliament
Venezuelan National Police members stand in line near the National Assembly building in Caracas, Venezuela, May 14, 2019. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado
Members of the Sebin intelligence service, wearing masks and carrying long guns, together with members of the national police and the military blocked the entrance and were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the National Assembly building, lawmakers said.
Last week, one opposition lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in foreign embassies in Caracas or fled the country as President Nicolas Maduro cracked down on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido, following a failed effort to convince members of the military to rise up against Maduro in late April.
Venezuela security forces block opposition lawmakers from entering parliament
Venezuelan National Police members stand in line near the National Assembly building in Caracas, Venezuela, May 14, 2019. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado
Members of the Sebin intelligence service, wearing masks and carrying long guns, together with members of the national police and the military blocked the entrance and were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the National Assembly building, lawmakers said.
Last week, one opposition lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in foreign embassies in Caracas or fled the country as President Nicolas Maduro cracked down on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido, following a failed effort to convince members of the military to rise up against Maduro in late April.
angelburst29
The Living Force
Thanks for the steady reports on the Venezuelan Embassy in D.C., Herondancer! Not one word on the D.C. event on Reuters but they are doing coverage on Maduro and Guaido in Venezuela?
Venezuela's top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country.
Venezuela top court accuses more lawmakers of treason as congress building blocked
Security forces had earlier prevented lawmakers from entering the legislature for Tuesday’s session, saying they were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the building.
The Supreme Court in a statement posted on its Facebook page accused lawmakers Carlos Paparoni, Miguel Pizarro, Franco Casella and Winston Flores of treason and inciting rebellion. The accusations marked the latest step in a crackdown by President Nicolas Maduro on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido following a failed effort to spur a military uprising in April.
“This simply gives us more strength,” Flores told Reuters, calling the Supreme Court’s accusations “illegitimate orders from the dictator.” “We know they will continue with this process of trying to destroy the National Assembly.”
Brazil sees Venezuelan military deciding Maduro's fate: security aide
Venezuela's armed forces will either depose President Nicolas Maduro and lead a transition to democratic rule or face divisions that risk a civil war, the Brazilian government's top security adviser said on Tuesday.
Retired General Augusto Heleno, national security adviser to President Jair Bolsonaro, told Reuters the situation in Venezuela was unpredictable after opposition leader Juan Guaido unsuccessfully called on the military to change sides last month.
Only a handful of soldiers headed Guaido’s call to back the opposition on April 30 and since then Maduro’s government has launched a crackdown on opposition legislators allegedly linked to the attempt.
Venezuela top court accuses four opposition legislators of treason: statement
Venezuela's supreme court on Tuesday accused four opposition legislators of treason and conspiracy, according to a statement posted on the court's Facebook page, following similar accusations earlier against 10 opposition lawmakers.
I don't know much about international laws, are mexican diplomats are obligated to receive him?
or it is as Alina mentions?https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/2019/05/14/diputado-de-la-an-de-venezuela-pide-refugio-en-la-embajada-mexicana-4978.html said:
angelburst29
The Living Force
Guaido is only making a fool out of himself - at this point? He has "no real" support among the people.
May 12, 2019 - Guaido Tells Supporters He Wants ‘Direct Relationship’ with Pentagon
Juan Guaido asked his envoy in the US to meet with Pentagon officials to request “cooperation” in resolving Venezuela’s political crisis, the Washington-backed opposition leader said at a rally in Caracas after a failed coup.
May 14 2019 - Guaido Officially Requests US Military Support
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has formally requested the support of US military forces in the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the South American country, a letter published by his representative Carlos Vecchio said on Monday.
May 14 2019 - US Police Raid Venezuelan Embassy to Evict Pro-Maduro Activists Defending It from ‘Illegal Seizure’
Pro-Nicolas Maduro activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington refused to vacate the premises in defiance of a notice threatening them with arrest and police entering the building but stopping short of evicting everyone.
May 15 2019 - Venezuela Strips 5 Opposition Lawmakers of Immunity
The government Constituent Assembly of Venezuela stripped five members of the opposition-controlled National Assembly of immunity in order to try them for betrayal, conspiracy and rebellion, local media reported.
Juan Andres Mejia, Sergio Vergara, Freddy Superlano, Carlos Paparoni and Miguel Pizarro were stripped of immunity, according to the VTV broadcaster.
A week ago, the National Constituent Assembly stripped seven other opposition lawmakers to try them for suspected participation in the recent attempted coup.
May 15 2019 - Guaido’s 'Envoy' Set to Meet Pentagon Officials to Plan Ways of Bringing ‘Democracy’ to Venezuela
A representative of the Venezuelan opposition leader in the US will meet members of the Southern Command next week to discuss strategy for regime change in the Latin American country, Juan Guaido confirmed.
May 12, 2019 - Guaido Tells Supporters He Wants ‘Direct Relationship’ with Pentagon
Juan Guaido asked his envoy in the US to meet with Pentagon officials to request “cooperation” in resolving Venezuela’s political crisis, the Washington-backed opposition leader said at a rally in Caracas after a failed coup.
May 14 2019 - Guaido Officially Requests US Military Support
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has formally requested the support of US military forces in the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the South American country, a letter published by his representative Carlos Vecchio said on Monday.
May 14 2019 - US Police Raid Venezuelan Embassy to Evict Pro-Maduro Activists Defending It from ‘Illegal Seizure’
Pro-Nicolas Maduro activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington refused to vacate the premises in defiance of a notice threatening them with arrest and police entering the building but stopping short of evicting everyone.
May 15 2019 - Venezuela Strips 5 Opposition Lawmakers of Immunity
The government Constituent Assembly of Venezuela stripped five members of the opposition-controlled National Assembly of immunity in order to try them for betrayal, conspiracy and rebellion, local media reported.
Juan Andres Mejia, Sergio Vergara, Freddy Superlano, Carlos Paparoni and Miguel Pizarro were stripped of immunity, according to the VTV broadcaster.
A week ago, the National Constituent Assembly stripped seven other opposition lawmakers to try them for suspected participation in the recent attempted coup.
May 15 2019 - Guaido’s 'Envoy' Set to Meet Pentagon Officials to Plan Ways of Bringing ‘Democracy’ to Venezuela
A representative of the Venezuelan opposition leader in the US will meet members of the Southern Command next week to discuss strategy for regime change in the Latin American country, Juan Guaido confirmed.
angelburst29
The Living Force
U.S. orders suspension of flights between the U.S. and Venezuela
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela, citing reports of unrest and violence around airports in the South American country.
Venezuela opposition, government leaders travel to Norway for possible talks
The trips suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis.
Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said. Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela’s military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources.
The military’s top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot.
Opposition leader Juan Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. More than 50 nations have recognized Guaido as the country’s legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance.
Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both traveled to Oslo, according to the sources.
Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels.
Norway’s foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.
No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said.
Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.
It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro’s government.
First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela, citing reports of unrest and violence around airports in the South American country.
Venezuela opposition, government leaders travel to Norway for possible talks
The trips suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis.
Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said. Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela’s military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources.
The military’s top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot.
Opposition leader Juan Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. More than 50 nations have recognized Guaido as the country’s legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance.
Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both traveled to Oslo, according to the sources.
Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels.
Norway’s foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.
No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said.
Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.
It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro’s government.
First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.
Well, against all odds, there are apparently still pro-Maduro activists in the Washington embassy as of today.
Posted at 2am on the News2Share FB page:
Today Ford Fisher was again onsite, as Jesse Jackson came to make a speech and deliver supplies, which the officers on duty allowed. So the residents of the building (at least 2) have more food, and power supplies to deal with the cuts. Not sure how they're handling the water end of things.
I can't find any media stories except a WaPo paywall here (google link) and News2Share's facebook page
Video of Jesse Jackson making a food delivery with Guaido guy trying to steal the bags. Previously police were cutting the ropes that lowered the bags, but for some reason they aren't impeding matters now.
The speculation seems to be to
Posted at 2am on the News2Share FB page:
Today Ford Fisher was again onsite, as Jesse Jackson came to make a speech and deliver supplies, which the officers on duty allowed. So the residents of the building (at least 2) have more food, and power supplies to deal with the cuts. Not sure how they're handling the water end of things.
I can't find any media stories except a WaPo paywall here (google link) and News2Share's facebook page
Video of Jesse Jackson making a food delivery with Guaido guy trying to steal the bags. Previously police were cutting the ropes that lowered the bags, but for some reason they aren't impeding matters now.
The speculation seems to be to
