Venezuela: Resistance or disintegration?

[angelburst29]

Kremlin: our military specialists are in Venezuela to service arms deals
Russian military specialists are in Venezuela to service pre-existing contracts for the supply of Russian arms, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

White House warns Russia, others against sending troops to Venezuela

The White House on Friday warned Russia and other countries backing President Nicolas Maduro against sending troops and military equipment to Venezuela, saying the United States would view such actions as a "direct threat" to the region's security.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia on Monday the US will not "stand idly by" as Moscow inserts military personnel into Venezuela to support the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

Mike Pompeo urges Russia to cease ‘unconstructive behavior’ in Venezuela
Mike Pompeo urges Russia to cease ‘unconstructive behavior’ in Venezuela

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Russia to “cease its unconstructive behavior” in Venezuela. (AFP/File Photo)

In a phone call with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Pompeo denounced the growing Russian military reinforcements as prolonging the political crisis in the South American country.

Pompeo told Lavrov that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela," the State Department said in a statement.

"The continued insertion of Russian military personnel to support the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela risks prolonging the suffering of the Venezuelan people who overwhelmingly support interim President Juan Guaido," he said.

Guaido is supported by the United States and most Latin American and European nations but he retains the support of Russia and China, US rivals who have offered political and economic support to him.

Pompeo urged Russia to "cease its unconstructive behavior" and support Guaido.

Contrary to the high hopes that many in the Alt-Media Community had for a Russian base in Venezuela after false reports and “analytical” innuendo were spread about this possibility, Moscow officially denied that it’s planning to permanently base its military forces in the South American country.

March 28, 2019 - Russia Officially Rubbished Alt-Media’s False Reports About A Venezuelan Base
Russia Officially Rubbished Alt-Media’s False Reports About A Venezuelan Base - Eurasia Future

Another day, another fake news scandal, except this time it could have epic international consequences after none other than the US government seems to have fallen for Alt-Media’s false reports and “analytical” innuendo about a supposed Russian base in Venezuela. Trump threatened that “all options” are on the table to prevent this from happening after Moscow’s latest dispatch of military aid to the South American country saw it sending roughly 100 troops to train their Venezuelan counterparts on how to operate their new unspecified equipment. That highly publicized and grossly misreported development sent alarm bells ringing after Mainstream Media and Alt-Media alike interpreted it as representing a Syrian-like challenge to the US’ regime change efforts there, with these two diametrically opposed information forces curiously seeming to agree on this false narrative for their own separate reasons.

 

[angelburst29]

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said on Friday that U.S. national security adviser John Bolton has been sending him messages asking him to do the "right thing."

Venezuela defense minister says U.S. security adviser 'sending me messages'

FILE PHOTO - Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez speaks during a broadcast at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela March 8, 2019. Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS

“Mr. Bolton, I tell you that we are doing the right thing,” Padrino said in televised comments. “Doing the right thing is doing what’s written in the constitution. ... Doing the right thing is respecting the will of the people.”

It was not immediately evident if Padrino was referring to Bolton’s recent tweets, in which he made direct mention of Padrino.

Kremlin: USA has not requested phone call on Venezuela with Putin - TASS
The United States has yet to request a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Venezuela, the Kremlin was quoted as saying by TASS news agency on Saturday.

Trump says will probably talk to Russia's Putin about Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he will probably talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping about the crisis in Venezuela.

Exclusive: Trump eyeing stepped-up Venezuela sanctions for foreign companies - Bolton

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions on companies from other countries that do business with Venezuela to cut off revenues to President Nicolas Maduro, Trump's national security adviser John Bolton told Reuters TV on Friday.

 

[angelburst29]

Abrams is pushing his luck - he might find himself in a room with Sergei Ryabkov, again?

Abrams says U.S. response to Russian troops in Venezuela could include sanctions

The U.S. special representative for Venezuela said on Friday that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has a list of options, including sanctions, Washington could use to respond to the presence of Russian troops in Venezuela.


I doubt that there were "thousands" attending this rally? Maybe, a hundred?

Venezuelans rally to protest chronic power outages

Thousands of Venezuelan opposition sympathizers protested on Saturday against recurring blackouts that crippled much of the country this month and have aggravated the OPEC nation's economic and social crisis.

Russia dismisses speculation about its 'specialists' in Venezuela

Russia has clearly stated the purpose of the “specialists” it has sent to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, dismissing U.S. concerns about their presence.

Russia has said its “specialists” pose no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call from the United States to remove all its military personnel from Venezuela.

 

[Cosmos]

The following is a repost from the "Russia Begins Operations in Syria" thread, since I think it belongs here as well:

There is a very interesting development happening in Venezuela that I think might be related to the following post:

There is a significant development that went largely unnoticed in the press during Putins recent visited to China. Putin and Xi Jinping released a joint signed statement in which both countries promised and set themself the goal of reforming the UN and thereby essentially stopping the actions of certain countries without an UN-Mandate. For way to long certain countries bluntly ignored the rules of the UN-Charta by interfering in other countries against all rules of the UN and started war after war also in defiance of those rules.

We all know that russia pointed those things out again and again the last two decades so clearly and consistently as no other country has, which has a significant position in the world.

I would go as far as to say that China committing itself now so openly together with russia to essentially stop all those illegal interventions in a step by step fashion, through reforms at the UN, is a huge step forward for the world! I think the times that wars like in Afghanistan, Irak or Libya can be pulled of as easily as in the past, will be gone sooner or later, (and that might already have happened, thanks to the efforts of russia) if both parties stick to it and maybe pull in more countries into that initiative. That development might also include interventions in other countries that are done "in secret" which will get harder and harder to be pulled of. Or at least we can hope so.

Seems like Putins team has worked hard to get to a point that they eventually can implement the already existing rules that the UN provides in a way that everyone has to abide by without exception in the future. That might still be quite a way ahead though, but still it seems it develops into that direction.

I hope other countries will join China and Russia in their efforts as soon as possible. As far out as it might sound, what we see here maybe could lead to something like world peace in the future.

Here is the only article in english that I could find that mentions some of the points of that agreement:

Russia, China to jointly support reasonable UN reforms - statement

BEIJING, June 8. /TASS/. Moscow and Beijing will jointly support the necessary and reasonable reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council, according to the two countries’ statement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping following Russian-Chinese talks.

According to the statement, the parties will uphold the UN’s pivotal role in global governance and jointly support the necessary and reasonable reforms of the organization and its Security Council "in order to better comply with the UN Charter." Moscow and Beijing believe it is necessary to discuss these reforms "solely through broad and democratic consultations, without imposing artificial time limits and immature projects." Russia and China believe it is necessary to look for a "package" solution taking into account the interests and concerns of all parties; proceed from the premise that the reform of the UN Security Council, should, first of all, expand the representation of the developing countries and their right to vote to make sure that a wide range of small and medium-sized states have more opportunities to take part in the Security Council’s work and the decision-making process on the basis of the principle of rotation."

In their joint statement, Vladimir Putin and Xi Xinping highlighted their intention "to counteract attempts by any countries to unilaterally conduct military operations without the authorization of the UN Security Council or without the consent of the legitimate government of a country on whose territory such actions are carried out." Russia and China will also take part in shaping the equal and indivisible security architecture "based on the refusal to use force or the threat of the use of force, non-interference in the internal and external affairs of other countries, the resolution of international disputes by purely political and diplomatic means."

After Russia, China has now send military personnel to Venezuela too, which is quite a remarkable step for china that used to not commit itself and "stay out of the fringe" in regards to the empire and its doings worldwide. I think this might mark a game changer event and is derectly related to the above quote. China seems to slowly cover the back of russia and also help, not only verbally, to stop the US nonsense.

This Article is Under Review | NewsClick

This article is under review in light of the Chinese government’s denial regarding sending troops to Venezuela.

www.newsclick.in

I think we will see similar stuff in the future every time the empire tries another coup or military aggression in a country. The times that the empire could do all of that are pretty much over I think.

I think the main driver behind those developments is the russian government headed by Putin. They seem to have learned a lot in the last years about the strategies the empire uses to conduct its business in other countries and how to stop it in its tracks. I further think that they are now starting to aid other countries via knowledge of how the empire operates so that they can help themselves in that regard and not fall prey to the empire and its follies.

In this german article it is pointed out that the Venezuelan government already started heavy buying of chinese and russian military stuff between 2010 and 2014 for 349 Million Dollar. In 2017 this was than topped by heavy investment in Chinese and Russian "tanks, ammunition, uniforms, infantry equipment as well as spare and service parts".

I think the empire is finding itself in a desperate situation now where it just can't do a darn thing anymore, as it was used to do in the past. I think they have been outmaneuvered mainly by the russians. They just can't do anything anymore that just "worked" in the past.

Amazing to watch.

 

[angelburst29]

Getting down to business and exercising Legal options ...

Venezuela lawmakers loyal to Maduro open door to prosecution of Guaido


Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, an all-powerful legislature controlled by the ruling Socialist Party, on Tuesday approved a measure allowing for a trial of opposition leader Juan Guaido, in what appeared to be step toward having him arrested.

The Constituent Assembly’s decree is necessary for the Supreme Court to move ahead with a trial of Guaido because as a legislator he has parliamentary immunity that makes it more difficult for him to be tried than the average citizen.

“This formally authorizes the continuation of the trial (of Guaido),” said Constituent Assembly Chief Diosdado Cabello, who is also the Vice President of the Socialist Party.

The Supreme Court on Monday had reiterated a previous measure blocking Guaido from leaving the country, an order which he openly violated in February when he embarked on a tour of Latin American nations to bolster support for his campaign to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela’s chief prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation of Guaido, into alleged links to “incidents of violence” in January, but has not ordered his detention or officially charged him with any crime.

“We are not going to evade our responsibility,” Guaido told reporters in eastern Caracas after the announcement. “They thought this would be easy. But it won’t be. If they want to move forward, they will have to assume the consequences.”

Constitutional lawyer Jose Vicente Haro called the decision a “constitutional fraud” that stripped Guaido of parliamentary immunity without the approval of the legislature, which under the constitution must approve such a decision.

The legislature is currently control by the opposition. “It also violated due process, because he should have had a hearing to defend himself,” said Haro in a telephone interview.

Maduro has said Guaido should “face justice” and calls him a coup-mongering puppet for the United States - but he has stopped short of calling for his arrest.

Guaido’s international backers, chiefly the Trump administration, have warned Venezuelan authorities not to touch him and threatened ever harsher sanctions against the Maduro administration to further cut it off from foreign financing.

Slideshow (11 Images)
Venezuela lawmakers loyal to Maduro open door to prosecution of Guaido

On Monday, Venezuela’s Supreme Court requested the Constituent Assembly to strip Guaido of parliamentary immunity over his violation of a ban on leaving the country.

April 3, 2019 - Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly authorizes further investigation against Guaido
Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly authorizes further investigation against Guaido

Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly on Tuesday gave green light for further criminal investigation against opposition leader Juan Guaido after receiving a request from the Supreme Court to strip him of parliamentary immunity.

"Considering the Supreme Court’s request <…> the Constituent Assembly <…> rules to permit further investigation against citizen Juan Guaido," Constituent Assembly President Diosdado Cabello said at the assembly’s meeting, broadcast live by the Venezolana de Television TV.

"Under normal circumstances, this request would have been sent to the National Assembly, but at present it is non-existent as a functioning state body," he said.

April 2, 2019 - Venezuela's Supreme Court seeks to strip Guaido of immunity
Venezuela's Supreme Court seeks to strip Guaido of immunity

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has asked the Constituent Assembly to strip opposition leader Juan Guaido of parliamentary immunity over his violation of a ban on leaving the country.

"A request will be sent to the Constituent Assembly’s president that Juan Guaido be stripped of parliamentary immunity for failing to abide by the Court’s decisions," Supreme Court President Maikel Moreno said, as cited by the El Nacional newspaper.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court earlier barred Guaido from leaving the country. However, on February 22, he traveled to the Colombian border city of Cucuta, which hosts a humanitarian aid distribution center. Guaido returned to Venezuela after visiting Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Ecuador.

Kudlow says working on rescue, restructuring plan for Venezuela

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow takes notes during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and China's Vice Premier Liu He in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 22, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Wednesday said the United States has plans to rapidly revitalize the Venezuelan economy, including financial and food planning as well as getting cash to people in the country.

The rescue and restructuring plan for Venezuela would involve getting dollars into the country, and the United States is working with banks in the region to help, Kudlow told reporters at an event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor news outlet.


(Comment - Does getting "dollars" into the Country include the INF waltzing in to save the day and using Venezuela's "assets" as collateral - like the INF took over valuable assets in Ukraine and elsewhere?)

Low oil prices mean U.S. can stand firm on Venezuela sanctions: Pence

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence listens as President Donald Trump meets with Fabiana Rosales, wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 27, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the United States would continue to pressure Venezuela's oil industry and those who support it with economic sanctions, citing world oil prices as low enough to allow for the measures.

Oil prices hit their highest point since November on Tuesday, with Brent crude approaching $70 a barrel, based in part on fears that U.S. sanctions against OPEC members Iran and Venezuela would result in a cut to global supplies. [O/R]

“We recognize the importance of energy to the United States,” Pence told reporters. “But the price of oil around the world has been quite low for some time, quite competitive for some time, and we’re just going to continue to stand firm and bring even more pressure on this regime,” he said.

Pence’s comments stood in contrast to concerns that President Donald Trump has voiced about oil prices. As recently as last week, Trump called for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to boost production, saying on Twitter that the price of oil was “getting too high.”

Pence, who is helping lead the White House campaign to dislodge Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power, made his remarks in a meeting with family members of six executives jailed in Venezuela since 2017. The executives worked for Citgo Petroleum, the U.S. refinery division of Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA.

The United States slapped stiff sanctions on PDVSA in January, aimed at cutting Maduro’s government off from oil revenues.

US controlling oil prices - keeping it low - and using it as a weapon - in Venezuela and also with Iran?)

Three importers cut Iran oil shipments to zero: U.S. envoy

Three of eight importers granted waivers by Washington to buy oil from Iran have now cut their shipments to zero, a U.S. official said on Tuesday, adding that improved global oil market conditions would help reduce Iranian crude exports further.

Colombia rejects Russia warning against Venezuelan military action

Colombia on Tuesday rejected a Russian warning against foreign military intervention in Venezuela and said it supported a peaceful transition to democracy in the neighboring South American country.

April 1, 2019 - People in civilian clothes open fire at protesters in Caracas — paper
People in civilian clothes open fire at protesters in Caracas — paper

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

A group of armed people wearing civilian clothes opened fire at people taking part in an anti-government protest in the Libertador district of Venezuela’s capital Caracas, the Nacional newspaper has reported.

Two people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the paper said.

Photos from the site of the attack show demonstrate two men, one carrying a weapon resembling a rifle, the other holds a pistol. The paper blamed the violence on Collectivo groups - irregular community organizations that support the current government.

(Note - A report came out on Tuesday, that Russia had opened a training center to instruct Venezuelan Military on Russian made Helicopter's. Now, a report has surfaced stating, "a helicopter with a group of unidentified people have opened fire on protesters?
Is it a provocation by the Guaido opposition to blame Russia?)

Russia says it has opened helicopter training center in Venezuela
Russia has opened a training center in Venezuela to help the country's pilots fly Russian-made military helicopters, Russian state-owned industrial conglomerate Rostec said on Monday, Moscow's latest gesture of support for President Nicolas Maduro.

Tuesday April 3, 2019 - Gunmen in helicopter open fire at protesters in Venezuela
Gunmen in helicopter open fire at protesters in Venezuela

A group of unidentified people travelling in a helicopter opened fire at protesters who gathered in the city of Cabimas in Zulia State on Tuesday, the privately owned VPI TV channel has reported.

A short amateur video shows a helicopter flying above the crowd and terrified people trying to flee it.

No information about deaths or injuries is available so far.

Earlier, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called upon his supporters to protest the frequent power outages and water supply disruptions in the country. The protests has continued since late March. According to a Venezuelan NGO, Foro Penal, almost 50 people were detained between March 29 and April 1. Clashes with police and pro-government groups have been reported earlier, but no casualties.

April 3, 2019 - Russia warns Venezuela for long on need for reforms, says Lavrov
Russia warns Venezuela for long on need for reforms, says Lavrov

Russia has numerously attempted to give Venezuela a clue about the need for reforms in order to improve its social and economic situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Russian daily Moskovsky Komsomolets.

"I agree with you about Venezuela’s social and economic situation," he said in the interview published on Wednesday. "Honestly, we have been trying for longer than one year to give our Venezuelan counterparts a clue about the urgency of reforms. Special consultations have been held at their request. There has been no lack of corresponding consultations."

Lavrov added that Russia does not accept the ways the United States uses to improve the lives of the Venezuelans.

 

[angelburst29]

I would love to know - where some of these "Committee's" get their "Million's of dollar's" to splash on foreign Aid, when our own Social Aid programs are incrementally being restructured and defunded? Or is this the Foreign Aid that Trump just cut to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras? $$$ 400 Million $$$

Senior U.S. House Republican questions Trump plan to cut Central American aid

Keeping up pressure for political change in Venezuela, 15 U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation on Wednesday to provide $400 million in new aid, internationalize sanctions and ease penalties on officials who recognize a new government.

April 3, 2019 - U.S. senators propose more aid, international sanctions for Venezuela

FILE PHOTO - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela April 2, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

The Republicans and Democrats introduced the Venezuelan Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development (VERDAD) Act more than two months after President Donald Trump’s administration recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, seeking the departure of President Nicolas Maduro.

Senator Bob Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, led the bill. He said the act would “put teeth behind” support for the Venezuelan people and provide tools for a peaceful solution to the crisis in the OPEC nation.

“This legislation will offer needed humanitarian assistance and support for Venezuela’s long path to democratic order,” said Republican Senator Marco Rubio, another sponsor, who has worked closely with Trump on Venezuela.

The bill would provide $200 million in new aid for Venezuela and $200 million for neighboring countries taking in refugees.

Venezuela classes restart after weeks of blackouts

Classes resumed in Venezuela's schools on Wednesday after two major national blackouts left frustrated parents struggling to entertain their children and forced the education ministry to extend the school year.

 

[mabar]

People in civilian clothes open fire at protesters in Caracas — paper

A group of armed people wearing civilian clothes opened fire at people taking part in an anti-government protest in the Libertador district of Venezuela’s capital Caracas, the Nacional newspaper has reported.

Two people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the paper said.

Photos from the site of the attack show demonstrate two men, one carrying a weapon resembling a rifle, the other holds a pistol. The paper blamed the violence on Collectivo groups - irregular community organizations that support the current government.

There are no photos on the site, but found this ones with an interesting replay ...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1113504283411079170

These photos correspond to armed "collectives" in Cabimas, Zulia, who arrived in the zone, in order to disperse shooting the neighbors who went out to the streets to protest the failures in the services. It happened this Tuesday afternoon #2abr
---
In reply to @SergioNovelli
Sergio I am cabimera and these are my photos those collectives to which you indicate were people of cabimas village because... they were the ones who rescued cabimas of planned robbery of a group of delinquents q I seize of which if we work.....

---Cabimas, Venezuelan state of Zulia.

Tuesday April 3, 2019 - Gunmen in helicopter open fire at protesters in Venezuela
Gunmen in helicopter open fire at protesters in Venezuela
A group of unidentified people travelling in a helicopter opened fire at protesters who gathered in the city of Cabimas in Zulia State on Tuesday, the privately owned VPI TV channel has reported.
A short amateur video shows a helicopter flying above the crowd and terrified people trying to flee it.
No information about deaths or injuries is available so far.

The video must be this one from VPI TV channel, is a media from the opposition, as I could tell ... but, there is an other interesting replay:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1113216657600733184

I hope @VPITV has confirmed and requeteconfirmed this. That video shoots since yesterday and not on serious or trustworthy accounts to my knowledge. I haven't released it because of that, so I hope you tell me who recorded it, who confirms it is true because I searched and didn't find a reliable source.

Situations had been becoming caotic as is being mentioned here:

Solidarity, Survival and Sabotage: Timeline of The Blackouts That Tormented Venezuela
In many cities, the interruption of open radio and television signals was reported. Many stations don't have power plants and those that did survived thanks to backup generators. This meant that besides the electrical blackout, there was also an information blackout, given that many of the few private broadcasters still on air were simply playing music, violating their obligation to keep the population informed about the events under development.

The interference in communication systems and the radio-electric spectrum was the perfect recipe for a toxic broth of misinformation, especially in the Andean region, allowing fake news to overwhelm the reality of the situation.

All these components - rumors, false information, distortions and half truths - pushed a noticeable percentage of the population into a frenzied and anxious state of mind.

In the State of Zulia, violent groups looted deposits belonging to Empresas Polar: beer, soft drinks and other beverages. Guaidó justified the looting on the grounds that it was motivated by hunger.

There had been protests due electricity blackouts but also lootings, unfortunately. Everything indicates --Guaidó indicates, that they are going to continue with it's "Operation Freedom"
Protests and Looting Reported In Cabimas --spanish

Juan Guaidó Confesses Being Behind the Sabotage of Venezuela’s Electric System
By Gustavo Villapol and VTV
Translated from the Spanish by Global Research.

“A confession from [America’s] puppet pointing to evidence,” said journalist Gustavo Villapol Wednesday, noting that the deputy of the National Assembly in contempt Juan Guaidó confessed to be behind the attacks perpetrated against the National Electric Service (SEN) that have affected the Venezuelan people since last March 7.

“The gentleman, Deputy Guaidó, has told the world that, they are behind this devious and terrorist attack against the Electric System,” he said during an interview on the Punto de Encuentro program broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión.

(These are the quotations from Guaido’s statements at the National Assembly, video in the site 13′ 11″ – 14′ 09″, GR editor)

“And I repeat, the cessation of darkness will definitely come with the cessation of usurpation,” culminates the self-proclaimed Juan Guaidó (VTV Fotogram)

“There will be no solution to the electrical problem, there will be no water to the houses much less domestic gas”. the parliamentarian of Voluntad Popular stated verbatim.

“We will generate the necessary internal pressure to add up in this process of definitive cessation of the usurpation,” he is heard saying in the video broadcast from the floor of the Federal Legislative Palace.

“And I repeat, the cessation of darkness will definitely come with the cessation of usurpation,” culminated his TV intervention.
Journalist Gustavo Villapol described Guaidó as a symbolic expression of the new political-military doctrine that Donald Trump is trying to develop from the presidency of the United States (USA).

 

[goyacobol]

The Republicans and Democrats introduced the Venezuelan Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development (VERDAD) Act more than two months after President Donald Trump’s administration recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, seeking the departure of President Nicolas Maduro.

It's amazing how both Republicans and Democrats can be in agreement on the "deep state" plans to rule the world but practically nothing else.

 

[Alejo]

It's amazing how both Republicans and Democrats can be in agreement on the "deep state" plans to rule the world but practically nothing else.

I’m a bit more cynical about it,

They publicly disagree on meaningless issues to give the people the illusion of choice but when it comes down to the policy that affects the most lives, they have no choice but to agree with the deep state

 

[goyacobol]

I’m a bit more cynical about it,

They publicly disagree on meaningless issues to give the people the illusion of choice but when it comes down to the policy that affects the most lives, they have no choice but to agree with the deep state

Sorry, I didn't give enough of a "cynical" signal. I was born here and you don't even know how cynical I feel. I think the same thing about the "meaningless issues to give the people the illusion of choice". I also think it is the same for the South American countries. They individually have the same/similar issues and need to work through their karma if you ask me.

You know it would be nice if once in awhile we could appreciate that we are all in big doo doo together.

 

[angelburst29]

Venezuelan deputy minister says more Russian troops could arrive: Interfax
Venezuela's deputy foreign minister Ivan Gil said on Thursday he does not rule out that more Russian military personnel may arrive in Venezuela under agreements already concluded with Russia, Interfax news agency reported.

EU condemns Venezuelan efforts to prosecute Guaido: statement

European Union governments condemned on Thursday a measure by Venezuela's Constituent Assembly that allows for the trial of opposition leader Juan Guaido, considered by many Western nations as the de facto head of state.

 

[angelburst29]

Venezuela’s military has been placed on alert to pre-empt potential ‘unconventional’ warfare tactics by the US, which aims to overthrow the government with attacks on public services, President Nicolas Maduro announced.

April 4, 2019 - Maduro Places Troops on High Alert, Accuses US of Rehearsing New Form of Warfare in Venezuela
Farsnews

“Venezuela is demonstrating to the world that it is a testing ground for new cybernetic, electromagnetic war weapons and a new war strategy, which is not the direct invasion or bombing by missiles, but the bombing of vital public services,” Maduro stated, admitting that, with rolling blackouts, the situation in the country remains “serious”, RT reported.

The objective of this alleged tactic is to destabilize the situation in Venezuela just about enough to provoke internal clashes, Maduro stressed.

He accused the opposition of engaging in “criminal plans” to take advantage of such a scenario of chaos to assassinate him and other loyal supporters, adding that there are plans by dissidents to “attack military units”.

To confront these dangers, Maduro said he had placed the intelligence and counterintelligence bodies on highest alert.

Similarly, the Venezuela’s president called on the mobilized 51,000 popular defense units, comprising some 2.1 million volunteers, to help the military deal with potential threats.

Tensions over Venezuela won’t escalate into a new Caribbean Crisis or turn the country into “a second Syria”, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured, bashing the US for treating the Western Hemisphere as its backyard.

April 4, 2019 - ‘Venezuela Won’t Become 2nd Syria’: Russian FM Sure S. America Won’t Back Military Invasion v. Maduro
Farsnews

“We don’t accept the methods, with which the US is trying to improve the life of the Venezuelan people,” Lavrov said in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper.

Washington has outright backed opposition leader, Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela in January. It has introduced hash economic sanctions against the struggling country, preventing it from importing food and medical supplies. Top US officials also threatened with so-called “humanitarian intervention” of Venezuela in order to remove unwanted socialist leader, Nicolas Maduro, from power.

Lavrov pointed out that even those countries on the continent that oppose Maduro and want a snap election in Venezuela got “really stressed out” when the Americans mentioned the use of force. “I guarantee you that if there’ll be an attempt of a military intervention, the vast majority of Latin American states will outright reject it,” he added.

Despite the strong rhetoric from Washington, “I don’t think that the Caribbean Crisis will be recreated,” Lavrov said, adding that “there can also be no talk about ‘a second Syria’ in Venezuela”.

The Caribbean Crisis put the US and Soviet Union on the brink of a nuclear war in 1962 after Moscow placed its missiles in Cuba in response to Washington deploying ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey.

The top Russian diplomat also stressed that it was “insolent” of the US to treat the Western Hemisphere as its own backyard – one which other countries shouldn’t have access to.

The foreign minister also responded to US National Security Adviser, John Bolton, who commented on reports of 100 Russian troops and cargo landing in Venezuela in late March, by saying that “the US will not tolerate hostile foreign military powers meddling with the Western Hemisphere’s shared goals of democracy, security, and the rule of law”.

Lavrov again clarified that the Russian military hardware was supplied to Venezuela legally under the 2001 military-technical cooperation with then president, Hugo Chavez.

This equipment requires scheduled servicing by Russian specialists and “now the time has come for such maintenance. That’s it”, he added, explaining the arrival of the Russian military specialists.

The war in Syria has much in common with the political crisis gripping Venezuela, where outside players try to meddle in domestic affairs and undermine sovereignty, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza.

April 5, 2019 - Assad: Events in Venezuela Are Similar to What Happened in Syria
Farsnews

What is happening in Venezuela is similar to the developments in Syria,” Assad told Arreaza during his visit to Damascus, RT reported

Those interfering in both crises seek “hegemony” over Syria’s and Venezuela’s sovereignty, Assad claimed. Slamming the US-led “flagrant interference” in Venezuela’s domestic affairs, the Syrian president said sanctions and embargoes became playbook examples of pressuring “anyone who does not adhere to their policy”.

Arreaza visited Damascus while touring other countries in the region, including Turkey and Lebanon.

The Venezuelan leader called on militia units to join the pro-government armed forces known as colectivos.

April 4, 2019 - Maduro puts army on alert following opposition plot to assassinate him
Maduro puts army on alert following opposition plot to assassinate him

© AP Photo/Fernando Llano

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has put the country’s military on alert because of a plot by the opposition to assassinate him that was exposed, and called on militia units to join the pro-government armed forces known as colectivos, the Venezuelan leader said in a phone interview with Venezolana de Television TV.

"I know about their criminal plans - those who lead the opposition - their plans to kill me," Maduro specified. According to him, because of this, "the country’s military units have been put on alert" and a decision was made to beef up "intelligence and counterintelligence activities."

Maduro said that the militia joining the colectivos was necessary to "ensure peace" in Venezuelan cities and towns. President Maduro said that this measure "is constitutional, legitimate and necessary." The criminals "paid off" by the forces opposing the current authorities shouldn’t be allowed to incite violence.

The Venezuelan leader also believes that the nation’s current opposition headed by Juan Guaido is "the most criminal" over the last 20 years. Maduro once again accused his political opponents inside the country and the US administration of sabotaging the country’s power plants and stations that had led to serious problems with power supplies.

 

[Joe]

Thought I'd add this just in case anyone was wondering what caused the electricity blackouts in Venezuela of late.

 

[angelburst29]

Here's something peculiar about the latest blackout. Vicepresident Delcy Rodríguez said that if had been a sabotage, like the previous one, but that this time they had used "electromagnetic tools".

These are pictures of the fire and damage to the plant:

Pentagon chief dismisses Russian assurances on Venezuela

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan dismissed Russian assurances on Thursday that its troops in Venezuela posed no security threat, saying: "I'm not sure I always believe what they say."

Thought I'd add this just in case anyone was wondering what caused the electricity blackouts in Venezuela of late.

Published on May 25, 2015
Boeing has developed a weapon that can target and destroy electronic systems in a specific building.

No doubt, our new "acting" Defense Secretary had an active role in the planning of the "Dark in Venezuela" production? I wonder, if a drone was used to deliver the electromagnetic pulse?

The Puget Sound Business Journal once described Shanahan as one of Boeing’s top-two “fix-it” men due to the breadth of his responsibilities over the years–

 

[angelburst29]

These actions, by high profile Political officials, are so "brazen and outwardly offensive" in their arrogance - that they make me want to bow my head in shame. In their proud displays of power and greed, to manipulate a foreign Government to submit to their dictates, they inadvertently expose the antics they use on their own citizens, for control and manipulation. Substitute the word "tax(s)" for the word - "sanctions". Different terminology but same affect. Sovereignty and human rights rarely enters the dialog in their schemes.


U.S. ratchets up pressure on Venezuela, Cuban backers
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Friday stepped up efforts to force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from office by imposing new sanctions on its oil shipments, and promising "stronger action" against Cuba for helping to keep the regime afloat.

U.S. targets Cuba's oil supply from Venezuela in new sanctions

The United States on Friday targeted oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba in its latest round of sanctions to pressure the government of President Nicolas Maduro, aiming to choke off a crucial supply of crude to the Communist island.

Pence to address U.N. Security Council on Venezuela next week
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will address the United Nations Security Council next week on Venezuela, a White House official said on Friday, as the 15-member body remains deadlocked over how to deal with the country's political and humanitarian crisis.

Lawyers for Venezuela's Guaido ask U.S. court to protect Citgo
Representatives of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido have asked a U.S. court to overturn a prior ruling allowing Canadian miner Crystallex to seize part of U.S. refiner Citgo, which is owned by state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela.

EU condemns Venezuelan efforts to prosecute Guaido: statement

European Union governments condemned on Thursday a measure by Venezuela's Constituent Assembly that allows for the trial of opposition leader Juan Guaido, considered by many Western nations as the de facto head of state.

U.S. sanctions target Cuba's role in propping up Venezuela government: Mnuchin

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday that sanctions imposed by Washington on ships transporting Venezuelan crude to Cuba target Havana's role in propping the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

As for Sanctioning Cuba - Cuba is already suffering heavily from US imposed Sanctions:

Cuba cuts newspaper size due to paper scarcity as shortages bite
Cuba says a paper shortage is forcing it to cut back on pages and circulation at several state-run newspapers including the Communist Party daily Granma, highlighting the severity of the country's cash crunch as scarcity of basic goods increases.

Swiss sign agreement to protect U.S. interests in Venezuela

Switzerland and the United States signed an agreement on Friday for the neutral country to represent U.S. interests in Venezuela, which broke off diplomatic relations with Washington after it recognized the opposition leader as president.

Venezuelan deputy minister says more Russian troops could arrive: Interfax
Venezuela's deputy foreign minister Ivan Gil said on Thursday he does not rule out that more Russian military personnel may arrive in Venezuela under agreements already concluded with Russia, Interfax news agency reported.