Turkey’s president supports Maduro in Venezuelan crisis: 'Brother, we are with you'
The country is suffering the most serious political and institutional crisis in recent history. The opposition leader proclaims himself interim president with US support. Maduro speaks of "American coup". Russia also sympathizes with Caracas: "international law and sovereignty" ignored.
Ankara (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and offered him support and solidarity, in the darkest moment of the crisis - political, social and institutional - that has hit the South American nation.
Ankara spokesman Ibrahim Kalin, reported a phone call between the two heads of state, during which "our president confirmed the support" to Maduro saying "Maduro, my brother! Stay strong, we are with you ".
Yesterday evening, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself interim president of the country. He received the recognition of the United States [US President Donald Trump was among the first to show public support], of Canada and most of the countries of the South American continent, first all of Brazil and Colombia.
Mexico was among one the few voices against, confirming itself an ally of the socialist leader.
The parliament in Caracas, controlled by the opposition, chose 35-year-old MP Juan Guaidó as interim president. An investiture provided for in Article 233 of the Constitution, which allows the Assembly to remove the President-in-Office.
In the square, in front of supporters, he launched the challenge to Maduro, who two weeks ago took office for a second presidential term. However, the opposition never recognized the result of the vote and several nations consider the Chavista leader illegitimate.
Maduro appeared a few hours later from the Palace to disavow the "American coup"; he then announced the total break of relations with Washington and granted 72 hours to US diplomats to leave the country.
Analysts and experts point out that the future is in the hands of the military, so far loyal to Maduro even if the first rebellions begin to emerge. So far, the protests have been forcibly repressed and, in just two days, there are 14 dead, over 200 arrests and dozens injured.
Guaidó's goal is to form a transitional government and to call for new elections; Maduro does not intend to give up power, in the face of a country marked by the most serious economic and social crisis in its history.
Russia also comes to the rescue of the Chavista leader who, through the mouth of the Foreign Ministry's spokesman, confirms support for Maduro. In a note published on social media, Maria Zakharova criticized Western nations that, even in this case, demonstrated "their attitude towards international law, sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of a country".
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11/03/2019 10:26
