US Security Advisor John Bolton threatens a „significant response“ should opposition and US diplomats be targeted in Venezuela. Meanwhile, rulers Maduro and opponent Guaidó court the military.
US National Security Advisor John Bolton has sharply warned against violence against the opposition or US diplomats in Venezuela. Any form of violence or intimidation against US diplomats, self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaidó, or the opposition-dominated parliament would be a „serious attack on the rule of law“ and would result in a „significant response“ from Washington, Bolton wrote on Twitter.
Although Bolton did not mention the name of the controversial President Nicolás Maduro. However, US Security Secretary Donald Trump’s security advisor said in a linked tweet that the „support“ of socialist Cuba was well known to Maduro’s security forces.
Guaidó declared himself interim president on Wednesday. The US recognized him immediately, followed by Canada and several Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. However, Russia and China blocked a UN-sponsored statement in support of Guaidó on the UN Security Council on Saturday. Several EU states, including Germany, put a deadline of eight days for Maduro to call new elections. Otherwise, they would recognize Guaidó. Maudro rejected the deadline.
Maduro and Guaidó court the military
Meanwhile, both Maduro and Guaidó are promoting the support of the armed forces. „Always loyal, never traitor,“ the soldiers shouted during a visit to Maduro on Sunday at the 41st Brigade in Paramacay Fortress. During an exercise, the head of state ran at the side of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino through the barracks.
Meanwhile, Guaidó tried, especially simple soldiers on his side to pull. On Twitter, he published the amnesty law passed by parliament, which assures the military of impunity when they participate in the restoration of the democratic order. „Distribute it to the military in your family, among your friends and neighbors,“ he wrote. Opposition MPs and student leaders handed the document over to National Guard officials.
