Russia and China Back Venezuela’s Maduro, Defying US-led International Pressure
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Russia and China Back Venezuela’s Maduro, Defying US-led International Pressure
In a bold move, Russia and China have announced their unwavering support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, defying the growing international pressure and sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. The two major powers have made it clear that they will not recognize the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela, despite his declaration of presidency and recognition by the US and many other countries.
The situation in Venezuela has been escalating since January, when Guaidó, the head of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president, citing widespread human rights abuses and political repression under Maduro’s rule. The US and many other countries, including Canada, the European Union, and several Latin American nations, have recognized Guaidó as the legitimate president, while Russia and China have maintained their support for Maduro.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance, stating that Russia will not recognize Guaidó as the president of Venezuela. "We will not participate in any attempts to overthrow the legitimate government of Venezuela," Lavrov said. "We will continue to support the government and people of Venezuela in their efforts to overcome the crisis."
China, too, has reaffirmed its support for Maduro, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang saying that Beijing "respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela" and will not recognize any government that is not elected through democratic means.
The US, meanwhile, has imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela, including a freeze on the country’s assets and a ban on US companies doing business with the government. The US has also recognized Guaidó as the legitimate president and has called on Maduro to step down.
The standoff has raised concerns about the potential for a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where millions of people are already struggling with food and medicine shortages. The country’s economy has been in shambles for years, and the situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing political crisis.
The US has accused Maduro of being a "dictator" who has rigged elections and silenced opposition voices, while Russia and China have accused the US of meddling in Venezuela’s internal affairs and seeking to overthrow a democratically elected government.
The situation is likely to remain tense in the coming weeks, with both sides digging in their heels. The US has warned that it will continue to take "all necessary measures" to support Guaidó and restore democracy to Venezuela, while Russia and China have vowed to maintain their support for Maduro.
The standoff has also raised questions about the future of international relations and the role of the United Nations in resolving conflicts. The UN Security Council has been unable to agree on a statement on the situation in Venezuela, with Russia and China vetoing a draft resolution that would have recognized Guaidó as the legitimate president.
In the meantime, the people of Venezuela are caught in the middle of the crisis, struggling to survive in a country that is increasingly isolated and impoverished. The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts, and the need for international cooperation to address the complex challenges facing the world today.
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