Venezuela in crisis as Guaido calls for May Day protests
- 5 years ago
Following up the uprising in Venezuela against embattled President Nicolas Maduro, big anti-government protests have been held again in the South American country.
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to Hong Yoo.
Tell us more about the latest in Venezuela.
Well Mark, a day after violent clashes with government forces, protests are being held by both government opponents and Maduro supporters in Caracas.
Juan Guaido, the opposition leader has called for support from protesters in various locations across the country after Maduro said he had stopped an "attempted coup" on Tuesday.
Demonstrations by Maduro supporters are largely formed by those from working class backgrounds.
Speaking to a crowd in Caracas, Guaido admitted he did not have enough military defectors on his side to declare victory and added the opposition group is not asking the armed forces for a confrontation but just to be on the side of the people.
"We must stop the usurpation in order to recover this country. It's clear the usurper has already lost and is overthrown. Here what we all ask is: How much longer? How much longer to gain freedom, how much longer to recover electricity, water, relatives. How much sacrifice will freedom cost, democracy, happiness? At the moment I can't pin it down, days, hours, weeks but I want to say something. Protests do work. They listen to us."
In January, Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim leader and has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that the U.S. would prefer a peaceful transition of government in Venezuela but the American "military action is possible" if that's what's required.
But Maduro, backed by Russia, is refusing to go.
Russia is one of Venezuela's largest creditors and has been helping the economy by heavily investing in the country's oil sector.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned Pompeo during a phone call on Wednesday that attempts to oust Maduro were "fraught with the severest consequences".
He also said Washington's support for Guaido is a "gross violation of international law".
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to Hong Yoo.
Tell us more about the latest in Venezuela.
Well Mark, a day after violent clashes with government forces, protests are being held by both government opponents and Maduro supporters in Caracas.
Juan Guaido, the opposition leader has called for support from protesters in various locations across the country after Maduro said he had stopped an "attempted coup" on Tuesday.
Demonstrations by Maduro supporters are largely formed by those from working class backgrounds.
Speaking to a crowd in Caracas, Guaido admitted he did not have enough military defectors on his side to declare victory and added the opposition group is not asking the armed forces for a confrontation but just to be on the side of the people.
"We must stop the usurpation in order to recover this country. It's clear the usurper has already lost and is overthrown. Here what we all ask is: How much longer? How much longer to gain freedom, how much longer to recover electricity, water, relatives. How much sacrifice will freedom cost, democracy, happiness? At the moment I can't pin it down, days, hours, weeks but I want to say something. Protests do work. They listen to us."
In January, Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim leader and has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that the U.S. would prefer a peaceful transition of government in Venezuela but the American "military action is possible" if that's what's required.
But Maduro, backed by Russia, is refusing to go.
Russia is one of Venezuela's largest creditors and has been helping the economy by heavily investing in the country's oil sector.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned Pompeo during a phone call on Wednesday that attempts to oust Maduro were "fraught with the severest consequences".
He also said Washington's support for Guaido is a "gross violation of international law".