ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Sgt. Matthew Crane/Army
The US hasn’t given up on its coup attempts in Venezuela, Vice-Admiral Igor Olegovich Kostyukov, Head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department said.
“The US subversive activity against the Bolivarian Republic continues. Various options are being developed for shifting the “Chavist” government – from creating conditions for growing protest sentiments and their subsequent transformation into a “social explosion” to a military intervention against Caracas,” Kostyukov said.
At the same time, according to him, “Washington, fearing to engage the national armed forces, wants to organize an invasion by the hands of its allies, primarily Colombia.”
“In addition, the creation of illegal armed groups of Venezuelan deserters, representatives of Central American criminal groups, Colombian rebel groups, which are already used to commit sabotage on the infrastructure of the Bolivarian Republic,” he added.
Furthermore, the US was “not bothered by the fact that ordinary civilians, whose interests are allegedly actively defended by the United States, are primarily affected by their actions.”
“Washington is actually ready to designate the leadership of the Bolivarian Republic “a state sponsor of international terrorism and, under this pretext, undertake forceful measures and sanctions against Caracas.”
He also reminded of the failed “humanitarian invasion” from Brazil and Colombia. And claimed that US President Donald Trump had set a goal of removing the “left” governments of Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba in a quick timeline.
“Regarding Venezuela, concrete steps are already being taken to destabilize the domestic political situation in the country through the consolidation of opposition forces, the organization of large-scale protest actions with them and, most importantly, the unleashing of hybrid aggression against the republic. This is the formation of state-controlled government bodies including the actual “appointment” of Washington and the official recognition by its allies of the chairman of the Venezuelan parliament, Juan Guaido, as an Interim President of the country. This is the accreditation of alternative ambassadors of the Bolivarian Republic in foreign countries and its representatives in international organizations. This is the seizure of diplomatic and other state property abroad, the arrest of accounts and gold reserves, the imposition of sanctions.”
According to Russian Intelligence, the Organization of American States, the informal “Lima Group”, the European Union, and influential international financial institutions were involved in the implementation of the plans of the “color revolution” in Venezuela.
Finally, according to Kostyukov, Washington, “guided by the updated Monroe Doctrine”, openly raises questions of the provision of economic, military-technical, humanitarian and other assistance to Latin American countries depending on their position on pressing political issues, thus seeking to promote their interests in the region.
Separately, on April 26th, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, as well as on Judge Carol Padilla.
Treasury sanctions Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza, and Judge Carol Padilla for working on behalf of the illegitimate Maduro regime. https://t.co/vsrUyZtYyM
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) April 26, 2019
“The United States will not stand by and watch as the illegitimate Maduro regime starves the Venezuelan people of their wealth, humanity, and right to democracy,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “Treasury will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime. This Administration stands with the Venezuelan people, and alongside an international coalition committed to holding accountable those who are responsible for Venezuela’s tragic decline.”
In response, Arreaza said that “some reactions confirm that we are walking the right path.”
Some reactions confirm that we walk the right path. It gives us more STRENGTH for the struggle. Yesterday, we denounced the US criminal blockade against Venezuela at the UN. Today, the Trump administration responds with desperation against us. TRUTH hurts! https://t.co/MuTdjfwPIb
— Jorge Arreaza M (@jaarreaza) April 26, 2019
On the previous day, he claimed that US sanctions “have Taken Thousands of Venezuelan Lives.”
“The wealth of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been affected in a substantial way, closing bank accounts, withholding money,” the foreign minister said.
From U.N. headquarters in New York City, the diplomat said that “we are campaigning for ourselves so that the world understands the consequences of the unilateral blockade of the U.S. government on Venezuela, consequences that have taken the lives of thousands of Venezuelans.”
He also praised the relationship between Russia and Venezuela and said that it presents no threat to US security.
Regarding the US sanctions, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed Moscow’s “outrage” at the “diplomatic blackmail.”
“We were outraged at the report that the United States imposed personal sanctions on Venezuelan Foreign Minister Arreaza. A blatant attempt was made again to put pressure on the government of that country and the entire Venezuelan people,” the Russian ministry said in a statement. “We urge the United States to return to the international legal field, to stop the policy of blackmail and provoking tension in Venezuela from outside. The world community needs to promote the establishment of an inclusive intra-Venezuelan dialogue. There is no alternative.”
On April 27th, Venezuelan people took to the streets to celebrate the country’s departure of the Organization of American States (OAS).
This is a result of a letter Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro saying that this institution promotes attacks and aggressions against the South American country.
Nos liberamos del Ministerio de las Colonias de EE.UU, un organismo injerencista e irrespetuoso de los principios democráticos y el Derecho Internacional. Nuestra Patria Bolivariana e Independiente le dice ADIÓS a la OEA. #VenezuelaSeRespeta pic.twitter.com/MtVIx9l40m
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) April 27, 2019
“We are liberated from the Ministry of the US colonies. The interventionist and disrespectful body of democratic principles and international law. Our Bolivarian and independent homeland says GOODBYE to the OAS.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
- Caitlin Johnstone: “Trump Has Murdered Over 40,000 Venezuelans With Sanctions”
- U.S. ‘Applauds’ Malta For Refusing Russian Planes To Use Its Airspace To Supply ‘Brutal Regime’ In Venezuela
- Why Venezuela Has Not Been Defeated
- Venezuela Reveals “Right-Wing Terrorist Cell” With Juan Guaido As One Of Its Members
