Click to see full-size image
On February 23rd, following the closure of the border with Colombia and the cut of diplomatic ties, the Venezuelan navy threatened to open fire on a civilian ship carrying aid from Puerto Rico, according to Ricardo Rossello, Puerto Rico’s governor.
A continuación comparto las declaraciones emitidas a los medios de comunicación sobre un grave incidente con el #BarcoPuertoRico @jguaido #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/7om9IeHiP1
— Ricardo Rossello (@ricardorossello) February 23, 2019
Ya estamos de regreso en Bonaire con la ayuda humanitaria que no pudo entrar esta tarde a Venezuela.@TelenoticiasPR pic.twitter.com/ol1Cs3LjMk
— Jose Esteves (@jestevesT2) February 24, 2019
“We are already back in Bonaire with the humanitarian aid that could not enter Venezuela this afternoon.”
Separately, reports that the Venezuelan Military burning a truck of “humanitarian aid” appeared to be completely false.
Otro falso positivo en Cúcuta.
Queman un camión de "ayuda humanitaria" en territorio colombiano y dicen que ha sido la Guardia Nacional Bolivariana de Venezuela.
¿A qué hora termina el show? (es para un amigo). pic.twitter.com/UQxBMV30Dt
— Katu Arkonada (@KatuArkonada) February 23, 2019
“Another false positive in Cúcuta. They burn a truck of “humanitarian aid” in Colombian territory and say that it has been the National Guard Bolivariana of Venezuela. What time does the show end? (It’s for a friend).”
US National Security Adviser John Bolton meanwhile shared videos showing Venezuelan soldiers defect to the opposition’s side and recognizing US-Proclaimed Interim President Juan Guaido as their Commander-in-Chief.
These four Venezuelan military members chose to stand with the people today, were honored by their Commander-in-Chief Juan Guaido, and welcomed by the democratic world. The rest of the Venezuelan military should follow. https://t.co/K2pzQlJgFQ
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 23, 2019
Venezuelan military members are given amnesty by Interim President Juan Guiado. They can now stand proud to work on behalf of a democratic Venezuela, for the protection and prosperity of all Venezuelans. https://t.co/JsdXXXWG8O
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 23, 2019
He also reiterated the Interim President’s promise that those who defect would be given amnesty.
Bolton also shared an article by Reuters, which was based on anonymous sources. It likely rings true.
Venezuela’s military has a choice: Embrace democracy, protect civilians, and allow in humanitarian aid; or face even more sanctions and isolation. https://t.co/KNdncJbPDH
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 23, 2019
According to it, more severe sanctions may be imposed on Venezuela if Maduro doesn’t back down, allow the aid in and relinquish power.
US Senator Marco Rubio shared a CNN Espanol report showing “young members of the National Police cry as civilians beg them to allow them to bring humanitarian aid into #Venezuela.” This is most likely one of the most common trick and propaganda tool used to support one side or another during protests. After all, even the “henchmen” of the “tyrant” are crying while carrying out their orders.
Watch these young members of the National Police cry as civilians beg them to allow them to bring humanitarian aid into #Venezuela.
https://t.co/xz1lH8K0Ez via @cnnee
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 23, 2019
2020 Presidential Candidate Democrat Senator Bernie Sanders also voiced his concerns, calling Maduro’s government to respect his people’s needs and not utilize violence against protesters.
The people of Venezuela are enduring a serious humanitarian crisis. The Maduro government must put the needs of its people first, allow humanitarian aid into the country, and refrain from violence against protesters.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 23, 2019
As the voice of common sense, Sanders did not call Maduro a “thug,” a “crony,” or a “tyrant,” he also did not refer to the government of Venezuela as “regime.”
Another Democrat Senator – Kamala Harris also called for an end to violence, but in a stronger rhetoric.
The U.S. must immediately condemn Maduro’s violence against his own people. There is no excuse for this. The Venezuelan military and security forces must demonstrate restraint. Venezuelans deserve a free and fair election and a peaceful transition of power.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 23, 2019
Meanwhile Guaido, whose attempts to get humanitarian aid into Venezuela were blocked continued with the usual rhetoric of claiming that those who assist in the delivery are “true patriots,” while those who impede it are supporting tyranny.
Rueda de Prensa. #AyudaHumanitaria https://t.co/y3JjwKPjny
— Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) February 23, 2019
Guaido was also cited as saying that “all options are open,” presumably once more threatening to “authorize” a US intervention.
Finally, Constitutional Lawyer Olga Alvarez shared a video showing Elliott Abrams in Cucuta seemingly at a loss. Apparently no Venezuelan children showed up to be rescued by the convicted war criminal.
Acaso Elliott Abrams està anunciando su FRACASO del macabro show en Cúcuta? Parece que SI! Los hijos de Bolívar y Chávez Venceremos en cualquier terreno! nos asiste la razón histórica y el amor por la humanidad! pic.twitter.com/X7DY5xspJQ
— Olga Alvarez (@AmalCandanguera) February 23, 2019
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
- Venezuela Builds Up Troops On Border With Colombia, Expels Colombian Diplomats Amid US Aid Delivery Standoff On Border
- Mike Pompeo Says Regime Change Is Also Planned for Nicaragua and Cuba, Not Only Venezuela
- Fears Of US Military Intervention In Venezuela Grow Further As US-backed ‘President’ Continues His Coup Attemp
