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Venezuela latest: US claims Russia talked Maduro out of Cuba escape – live Venezuela latest: US claims Russia talked Maduro out of Cuba escape – live
(32 minutes later)
A crowd of about 800 Maduro supporters has gathered outside the presidential palace in Caracas.
One of them is 50-year-old Elsa Aguilar, who lives in Jardines de El Valle, a working class area in west Caracas. She is a member of the Bolivarian Militia – a group set up under Hugo Chávez, in which civilians receive military training.
I’ve been here since 6.30am. As soon as I heard the news, I took action and came here to Miraflores to fight for my country against these disasters who want to bring in the US, through their lackeys, here in Venezuela. We’re well-organised and we know what to do in moments like this.
Ramping up the pressure on key figures in Caracas, the US national security adviser, John Bolton, has just put out this video. He calls on all Venezuelans to take action to remove Maduro and the “kleptocrats” around him and regain their “libertad”.
This is a critical point for your history.
To all the patriotic citizens of Venezuela: pic.twitter.com/qlByCPk7Qj
Here’s a clip of Pompeo’s interview with CNN, in which he demands the Maduro leave and provides “strong assurances” of Washington’s support for Guaidó.
He refuses to say what the US would do if the opposition leader were arrested, but says it would be seen as a “major escalation” and reiterates that military options are among those Washington considers as being on the table.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says it's time for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to "leave," adding, "He has no answers for the Venezuelan people and the United States is determined to assist the Venezuelan people in restoring democracy." https://t.co/qvcZ5hEEoP pic.twitter.com/yaxAj7wS7o
Venezuela’s UN ambassador has claimed Maduro has “defeated” Guaidó and his supporters and that the “country is right now in a situation of perfect normality”, the Associated Press reports.Venezuela’s UN ambassador has claimed Maduro has “defeated” Guaidó and his supporters and that the “country is right now in a situation of perfect normality”, the Associated Press reports.
Samuel Moncada said Maduro has “taken the necessary steps to guarantee the security and right to peace of our people”, adding: “We have defeated them.”Samuel Moncada said Maduro has “taken the necessary steps to guarantee the security and right to peace of our people”, adding: “We have defeated them.”
Moncada says the UN Security Council should discuss Tuesday’s call by Guaidó for a military uprising against Maduro.Moncada says the UN Security Council should discuss Tuesday’s call by Guaidó for a military uprising against Maduro.
He also criticises the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, for not openly supporting Maduro’s government. Earlier in the day, Guterres urged all sides in Venezuela to exercise “maximum restraint,” avoid any violence, take immediate steps to restore calm, and resolve differences peacefully through dialogue.He also criticises the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, for not openly supporting Maduro’s government. Earlier in the day, Guterres urged all sides in Venezuela to exercise “maximum restraint,” avoid any violence, take immediate steps to restore calm, and resolve differences peacefully through dialogue.
After the US president’s threats against Cuba, the Trump administration is aiming its rhetorical fire at Moscow.After the US president’s threats against Cuba, the Trump administration is aiming its rhetorical fire at Moscow.
In an interview with CNN, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has said Washington had indications that Maduro was ready to leave Venezuela for the Cuban capital, Havana. The plane was “on the tarmac”, Pompeo said, but Russia convinced the Venezuelan president to stay.In an interview with CNN, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has said Washington had indications that Maduro was ready to leave Venezuela for the Cuban capital, Havana. The plane was “on the tarmac”, Pompeo said, but Russia convinced the Venezuelan president to stay.
Earlier, the US national security adviser, John Bolton, had warned Russia not to get involved, while Moscow has pointed the finger back and said the USA was trying to undermine its ally.Earlier, the US national security adviser, John Bolton, had warned Russia not to get involved, while Moscow has pointed the finger back and said the USA was trying to undermine its ally.
The New York-based advocacy group, the Human Rights Foundation, has issued strong condemnation of the Maduro regime and accused corrupt elements of the Venezuelan military of working to keep him in power.The New York-based advocacy group, the Human Rights Foundation, has issued strong condemnation of the Maduro regime and accused corrupt elements of the Venezuelan military of working to keep him in power.
1/ Statement from HRF President @ThorHalvorssen: "The only thing keeping puppet dictator @NicolasMaduro in power is the army’s corrupt wing and paramilitary groups that are once again demonstrating to be experts at killing peaceful protesters in Venezuela..." [Ph: NewsFeedsMedia] pic.twitter.com/9Z5QG0j1vc1/ Statement from HRF President @ThorHalvorssen: "The only thing keeping puppet dictator @NicolasMaduro in power is the army’s corrupt wing and paramilitary groups that are once again demonstrating to be experts at killing peaceful protesters in Venezuela..." [Ph: NewsFeedsMedia] pic.twitter.com/9Z5QG0j1vc
2/ "...Officers loyal to the Venezuelan constitution need to make the choice to once and for all fulfill the oath that they have taken to defend their fellow Venezuelans and democratically-elected acting president Juan Guaidó in their peaceful quest to restore democracy."2/ "...Officers loyal to the Venezuelan constitution need to make the choice to once and for all fulfill the oath that they have taken to defend their fellow Venezuelans and democratically-elected acting president Juan Guaidó in their peaceful quest to restore democracy."
The US president, Donald Trump, is threatening an embargo and high-level sanctions against Cuba over its support for Maduro.The US president, Donald Trump, is threatening an embargo and high-level sanctions against Cuba over its support for Maduro.
If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete....If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete....
....embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba. Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!....embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba. Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!
Earlier this month, Cuba’s leader Raúl Castro promised his nation would not abandon its leftist ally in Caracas, despite what he called Washington’s “blackmail”, as the Trump administration threatened sanctions.Earlier this month, Cuba’s leader Raúl Castro promised his nation would not abandon its leftist ally in Caracas, despite what he called Washington’s “blackmail”, as the Trump administration threatened sanctions.
Cuba has denied the Trump White House’s claims that its security and intelligence officials have been involved in propping up Maduro.Cuba has denied the Trump White House’s claims that its security and intelligence officials have been involved in propping up Maduro.
The Agence France-Presse news agency reports that hundreds of Venezuelans have rallied in central Madrid in support of Guaido.The Agence France-Presse news agency reports that hundreds of Venezuelans have rallied in central Madrid in support of Guaido.
About 300 people gathered in the Puerta del Sol square in the Spanish capital, waving Venezuelan flags and brandishing banners with slogans such as “Maduro is destroying Venezuela”.About 300 people gathered in the Puerta del Sol square in the Spanish capital, waving Venezuelan flags and brandishing banners with slogans such as “Maduro is destroying Venezuela”.
“This isn’t a state coup,” a former mayor of Caracas and opposition politician, Antonio Ledezma, told the crowd, which included Venezuelan opposition figures, as well as officials from Spain’s conservative Popular Party and the centre-right Ciudadanos.“This isn’t a state coup,” a former mayor of Caracas and opposition politician, Antonio Ledezma, told the crowd, which included Venezuelan opposition figures, as well as officials from Spain’s conservative Popular Party and the centre-right Ciudadanos.
A spokeswoman for the Spanish government had earlier said Madrid “strongly hope(d) that there will be no bloodshed” in Venezuela. Isabel Celaa called for “democratic elections” and said Madrid supports a “peaceful” outcome to the Venezuela crisis.A spokeswoman for the Spanish government had earlier said Madrid “strongly hope(d) that there will be no bloodshed” in Venezuela. Isabel Celaa called for “democratic elections” and said Madrid supports a “peaceful” outcome to the Venezuela crisis.
Lula’s Workers’ party and other Brazilian leftist groups have condemned what they called an “attempted coup” in Venezuela, saying it is being “carried out by the right-wing, coup-monger, anti-Chavista opposition”. The party, Brazil’s biggest leftist organisation, said in a statement on Tuesday:Lula’s Workers’ party and other Brazilian leftist groups have condemned what they called an “attempted coup” in Venezuela, saying it is being “carried out by the right-wing, coup-monger, anti-Chavista opposition”. The party, Brazil’s biggest leftist organisation, said in a statement on Tuesday:
Its failure to achieve this objective is the clear result of the support that the party and its government have together with people, after years of policies aimed at the well-being of the population and against imperialist exploitation and local elites.Its failure to achieve this objective is the clear result of the support that the party and its government have together with people, after years of policies aimed at the well-being of the population and against imperialist exploitation and local elites.
The party, known as the PT, was co-founded by the imprisoned former president, Lula, and ran the country for 13 years until his successor, Dilma Rousseff was impeached in 2016. It has continuously supported the Maduro regime and its president, Gleisi Hoffmann, a hardline leftist who enjoys Lula’s support, attended Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration in January – following last May’s controversial election win. Hoffmann signed the statement along with congressmen and Monica Valente, its secretary for international relations.The party, known as the PT, was co-founded by the imprisoned former president, Lula, and ran the country for 13 years until his successor, Dilma Rousseff was impeached in 2016. It has continuously supported the Maduro regime and its president, Gleisi Hoffmann, a hardline leftist who enjoys Lula’s support, attended Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration in January – following last May’s controversial election win. Hoffmann signed the statement along with congressmen and Monica Valente, its secretary for international relations.
It said it would not accept “anti-democratic attitudes” and said the economic embargo against Venezuela should be lifted and “democratic forces” should seek dialogue. “Peace in Venezuela is a struggle for all Latin-American and other democrats in the world,” it added.It said it would not accept “anti-democratic attitudes” and said the economic embargo against Venezuela should be lifted and “democratic forces” should seek dialogue. “Peace in Venezuela is a struggle for all Latin-American and other democrats in the world,” it added.
Other Brazilian leftists have also come out against today’s move by Juan Guaidó to wrest power from Maduro. Jandira Feghali, a congresswoman for the Communist Party of Brazil, has been broadcasting Venezuelan TV channel TeleSur on her Facebook under the message: “Urgent: Venezuela fights against coup by foreign forces.”Other Brazilian leftists have also come out against today’s move by Juan Guaidó to wrest power from Maduro. Jandira Feghali, a congresswoman for the Communist Party of Brazil, has been broadcasting Venezuelan TV channel TeleSur on her Facebook under the message: “Urgent: Venezuela fights against coup by foreign forces.”
Leftist media organisation Jornalistas Livres (Free Journalists) shared photos of pro-Maduro demonstrations on its Facebook captioned: “DEMOCRATIC RESISTANCE. Against coup mongers, the Venezuelan people go to the streets of Caracas in support of Maduro.”Leftist media organisation Jornalistas Livres (Free Journalists) shared photos of pro-Maduro demonstrations on its Facebook captioned: “DEMOCRATIC RESISTANCE. Against coup mongers, the Venezuelan people go to the streets of Caracas in support of Maduro.”
Jornalistas Livres site reproduced an interview carried on Diário do Centro do Mundo (Diary from the Centre of the World) with Edson Bagnara, a Brazilian it said is from Brazil’s Landless Movement (Movimento Sem Terra) and is in Venezuela, headlined: “The coup failed.”Jornalistas Livres site reproduced an interview carried on Diário do Centro do Mundo (Diary from the Centre of the World) with Edson Bagnara, a Brazilian it said is from Brazil’s Landless Movement (Movimento Sem Terra) and is in Venezuela, headlined: “The coup failed.”
“Another attempt to strike here in Venezuela, and much more than the actual strength of what is happening here, is the media strength of the extreme right,” Bagnara told the site.“Another attempt to strike here in Venezuela, and much more than the actual strength of what is happening here, is the media strength of the extreme right,” Bagnara told the site.
People on the ground are reporting that members of the pro-Maduro Colectivos paramilitary groups have fired rounds from a government building in the Chacao suburb of Caracas.People on the ground are reporting that members of the pro-Maduro Colectivos paramilitary groups have fired rounds from a government building in the Chacao suburb of Caracas.
There had earlier been reports that weapons from the nation’s security forces had recently been handed to the Colectivos.There had earlier been reports that weapons from the nation’s security forces had recently been handed to the Colectivos.
On a day like today when the potential for bloodshed is incredibly high, the claim of @FundaREDES_ that 200,000 weapons have been taken from the Venezuelan security forces to arm the “colectivos” is extremely worrying.On a day like today when the potential for bloodshed is incredibly high, the claim of @FundaREDES_ that 200,000 weapons have been taken from the Venezuelan security forces to arm the “colectivos” is extremely worrying.
These claims are pretty well evidenced to be fair. I saw a spreadsheet leaked by the military which details the make, model and serial number of each weapon that has gone missing.These claims are pretty well evidenced to be fair. I saw a spreadsheet leaked by the military which details the make, model and serial number of each weapon that has gone missing.
Rosa Serrano, a 55-year-old architect who lives in Chacao, tells the Guardian’s Patricia Torres:Rosa Serrano, a 55-year-old architect who lives in Chacao, tells the Guardian’s Patricia Torres:
From the car par of the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport, a group of Colectivos began firing at people protesting on Francisco de Miranda Avenue. Apparently, there is a girl wounded by a firearm.From the car par of the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport, a group of Colectivos began firing at people protesting on Francisco de Miranda Avenue. Apparently, there is a girl wounded by a firearm.
Why are people still here if there are Colectivos nearby?Why are people still here if there are Colectivos nearby?
They attack us and then they take refuge in the headquarters of the government ministries. I am not afraid because I have been fighting against this for 20 years and the time has come [and] hope has come back to stay. Here, it does not matter if you are from the east or the west, all together and together we will get out of this.They attack us and then they take refuge in the headquarters of the government ministries. I am not afraid because I have been fighting against this for 20 years and the time has come [and] hope has come back to stay. Here, it does not matter if you are from the east or the west, all together and together we will get out of this.
It’s been a busy day in Venezuela following an attempted military uprising in Caracas. The opposition leader Juan Guaidó urged supporters to take to the streets to force his rival Nicolás Maduro from power.It’s been a busy day in Venezuela following an attempted military uprising in Caracas. The opposition leader Juan Guaidó urged supporters to take to the streets to force his rival Nicolás Maduro from power.
Here’s where things are at now:Here’s where things are at now:
Despite images showing some military members in support of Guaidó, Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro said he had spoken with military leaders that showed “total loyalty.” Maduro had not been seen in public as of Tuesday afternoon and its unclear where he is located at the moment.Despite images showing some military members in support of Guaidó, Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro said he had spoken with military leaders that showed “total loyalty.” Maduro had not been seen in public as of Tuesday afternoon and its unclear where he is located at the moment.
Guaidó, meanwhile, addressed crowds in different parts of Caracas, rallying citizens to take to the streets. “Today it is clear to us that the Armed Forces are with the people and not with the dictator,” Guaidó told a crowd in Altamira.Guaidó, meanwhile, addressed crowds in different parts of Caracas, rallying citizens to take to the streets. “Today it is clear to us that the Armed Forces are with the people and not with the dictator,” Guaidó told a crowd in Altamira.
There were reports of gunfire, teargas and water cannon use at demonstrations. And live broadcasts of a protest near La Carolta air base in Caracas showed armored military vehicles driving into crowds of protestors. It’s not clear yet how many people were injured or if anyone was killed.There were reports of gunfire, teargas and water cannon use at demonstrations. And live broadcasts of a protest near La Carolta air base in Caracas showed armored military vehicles driving into crowds of protestors. It’s not clear yet how many people were injured or if anyone was killed.
Throughout the day, US officials declared support for the opposition. In the afternoon, National Security Adviser, John Bolton, claimed senior Maduro aides were aware of the planned uprising and prepared to help lead a peaceful transition of power.Throughout the day, US officials declared support for the opposition. In the afternoon, National Security Adviser, John Bolton, claimed senior Maduro aides were aware of the planned uprising and prepared to help lead a peaceful transition of power.
Some of the transcript from US national security advisor, John Bolton’s, comments outside the White House this afternoon, including his claim that the senior Maduro aides were aware of the uprising.Some of the transcript from US national security advisor, John Bolton’s, comments outside the White House this afternoon, including his claim that the senior Maduro aides were aware of the uprising.
We see this now is a potentially dispositive moment in the efforts of the Venezuelan people to regain their freedom which we fully support..We think it’s still very important for key figures in the regime who have been talking to the opposition over these last three months to make good on their commitments to achieve the peaceful transfer of power from the Maduro clique to interim President Juan Guiado. Figures like Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, the chief judge of the Venezuelan supreme court. Maikel Moreno, commander of the presidential guard Rafael Hernandez Dala. All agreed that Maduro had to go. They need to be able to act this afternoon or this evening to help bring other military forces to the side of the interim president.We see this now is a potentially dispositive moment in the efforts of the Venezuelan people to regain their freedom which we fully support..We think it’s still very important for key figures in the regime who have been talking to the opposition over these last three months to make good on their commitments to achieve the peaceful transfer of power from the Maduro clique to interim President Juan Guiado. Figures like Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, the chief judge of the Venezuelan supreme court. Maikel Moreno, commander of the presidential guard Rafael Hernandez Dala. All agreed that Maduro had to go. They need to be able to act this afternoon or this evening to help bring other military forces to the side of the interim president.
Looks like he is trying to force the hand of perceived waverers, making it impossible to carry on under Maduro. https://t.co/jdwP1z6brNLooks like he is trying to force the hand of perceived waverers, making it impossible to carry on under Maduro. https://t.co/jdwP1z6brN
More on Leopoldo López, the opposition leader who escaped house arrest to appear at Guaidó’s side in his video address this morning, from Joe Parkin Daniels in Bogotá:
López has arrived at the Chilean embassy in Caracas, according to a tweet from Chile’s foreign minister, Roberto Ampuero. Guaidó’s mentor reportedly joins his wife Lilian Tintori and daughter there.
“Chile reaffirms commitment with Venezuelan democrats,” Ampuero said.
That same embassy has been hosting Freddy Guevara since November 2017, who like Guaidó is a member of López’s Popular Will party. Guevara, like López before him, was accused of instigating violence at protests by the Maduro government.
Opposition leader Leopoldo López has requested asylum at the Chilean embassy in Caracas, according to Sylvia Colombo, a reporter for Brazil’s Folha de S.Paulo newspaper who is in Caracas, quoting local media. There is no information yet if the request was accepted, she wrote.
The newspaper also reported that Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has accepted the asylum requests of 25 Venezuelan military personnel at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas. It said the information had been confirmed with the presidency spokesman, General Otávio Rêgo Barros.
The US national security advisor, John Bolton, has said “all options” remain on the table for responding to the situation in Venezuela.
Bolton claimed three senior Maduro aides had committed to establishing a peaceful transfer of power to the opposition in remarks outside the White House. Bolton named Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Supreme Court chief judge Maikel Moreno and presidential guard commander Ivan Rafael Hernandez Dala as havning been involved in those conversations.
Bolton blamed Cuba for helping support the Maduro regime and said it has told Russia not to interfere with Venezuela.
He also tweeted at the senior Maduro aides, telling them “your time is up.”
“This is your last chance,” Bolton wrote. “Accept Interim President Guaido’s amnesty, protect the Constitution, and remove Maduro, and we will take you off our sanctions list. Stay with Maduro, and go down with the ship.”
.@vladimirpadrino, @Ivanr_HD, @MaikelMorenoTSJ: Your time is up. This is your last chance. Accept Interim President Guaido’s amnesty, protect the Constitution, and remove Maduro, and we will take you off our sanctions list. Stay with Maduro, and go down with the ship.
The Guardian’s former Latin America correspondent (now in Ireland), Rory Carroll, writes about the difference between Nicolás Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez.
Oil prices tumbled and Maduro proved to be a fumbling showman, exposing the financial ineptitude and ideological hollowness of the “Bolivarian revolution”.
This could have doomed his presidency, which began in 2013 after Chávez died.
But the former bus driver, a hulking bear of a man who rose up trade union ranks, turned out to be tenacious and ruthless.
The story of his rule – and Venezuela’s agony – is a determination to keep power amid economic collapse, humanitarian disaster and international condemnation.
The military uprising which erupted on Tuesday has presented the sternest test yet, for Maduro and the Bolivarian project which Chavez launched in 1999.
“Nerves of steel!” Maduro tweeted in defiance hours after the opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, appeared with mutinous troops outside La Carlota, a military base six miles from the presidential palace, Miraflores, in the capital Caracas.
Former bus driver Nicolás Maduro clings to wheel in Venezuela
A raft of senior US officials have commented on the situation in Venezuela all morning via Twitter, and now the US president has commented to say he is watching the situation “very closely.”
I am monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely. The United States stands with the People of Venezuela and their Freedom!
Patricia Torres is in Caracas, reporting for the Guardian at a Guaidó rally.
A young demonstrator, Victor Zabala, has rubber bullet injuries across his back and arms. The 25-year-old said he was shot at by the National Guard while helping get people away from the highway near Plaza Altamira.
Zabala accused the National Guard of not just shooting rubber bullets, but of shooting actual gunfire at protestors.
The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, just spoke with Guaidó’s representative in Mexico, Reinaldo Díaz Ohep, outside the Venezuelan embassy where a large protest is underway.
“We are very happy. This is a definite process,” Díaz says.
“This is an unprecedented [push] ... to end the dictatorship ... We are closer than ever before.”
“Today represents our country’s liberation. It represents [the end of] 20 years of the same party, the same trends, which have led our country into the greatest economic crisis and the greatest migration crisis in Latin America.”Díaz said his message to Maduro was: “Get out, while you still can. Get out, accept the amnesty... We don’t want Nicolas Maduro in power any more.”
If Maduro did not respond to those calls to stand aside there was a risk of bloodshed and violence. “Get on a flight and go,” he said.
Today’s events are not the first time Venezuela’s leadership has been challenged – it’s actually something that has happened repeatedly since Hugo Chávez became president in 1999 and has continued since Nicolás Maduro came to power.
The Washington Post has a timeline of previous attempts by security forces to topple their respective governments:
A few have been small-scale efforts — such as a June 2017 incident in which a former police officer tossed grenades from a helicopter at government buildings and a bizarre event in August 2018 in which two drones carrying explosives detonated near a platform where Maduro was giving a speech. Others were more complex.
Maduro has been wary of a military uprising as his oil-rich country has slid into economic chaos. Both he and Chávez have tried to control the powerful armed forces by elevating hundreds of officers to the rank of general and providing senior officers with lucrative perks, including roles in running military businesses. Surveillance of officers is also said to be intense.
Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, spoke with the deputy director of programs for the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Josh Balser, deputy director of Programs for the International Rescue Committee, said the charity was currently seeing an increase in the number of people crossing into Colombia from Venezuela.
“At this point, there’s a lot of people coming in and it’s generally peaceful,” he said. “The co-ordination mechanisms are revising their contingency planning to make sure that any response for increased population figures is adequate to meet the need. We’re waiting to hear on more official news. But so far, no major alarms.”
Balser, who is en route to the Colombian border city of Cúcuta, said that around 5,000 people a a day were estimated to be entering Colombia each day “with the intention to stay”.
Venezuelan journalist Luz Mel Reyes, who co-founded Efecto Cocuyo, is reporting that Guaidó had planned “Operación Libertad,” for another day.
Other shocking information in Mely Reyes’s tweet includes a claim that the protest was brought forward because the government was about to arrest Guaidó and that he had at one point had more support from the military.
One of Venezuela’s best journalists reporting that today’s action was planned for another day, and had strong military support - but they had to bring it forward because Guaido’s arrest was imminent, and then the military backed out https://t.co/65PLT8tbLZ