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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. Venezuelan media is reporting that dozens of people were injured in Caracas today after the attempted mutiny against Maduro. The Efecto Cocuyo website says at least 69 people were taken to hospital; two of them having received gun shot wounds.
#SepaQue Al menos 69 heridos en protestas de Caracas tras alzamiento militar #30Abr https://t.co/2MQ3Y5WBfp pic.twitter.com/KWCg6341Y5
Earlier, the Associated Press quoted the director of a Caracas medical centre as saying doctors were treating 50 patients. Maggia Santi said 30 of those injured were shot with rubber bullets, another 16 sustained bodily trauma, three reported difficulty breathing and one was shot with a firearm.
She said doctors had sufficient supplies to treat the injured, in part due to recent donations by organisations including the Red Cross. The person injured by gunfire was reported to be stable.
A crowd of about 500 or 600 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.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.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.
Julian Rivero, is a 63-year-old retired former worker with the Misión Barrio Adentro, part of the parallel health system Hugo Chávez built with the help of Cuba. He lives in Valles del Tuy, a commuter town about 40 min southeast from Caracas.
Rivero carried a bag of mangos, which he said would keep him going through the day.
I hitchhiked down here because I don’t have the money for the fare. I brought my breakfast, lunch and dinner with me because I’m going to stay and defend the revolution.
I lived through the Venezuela before [Chávez] and I can say that the benefits for the people are much better now.
He had nothing but scorn for the opposition.
That lot want there to be deaths to create chaos in the country, but we don’t want that. We want peace. They are breaking Venezuela.
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”.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.This is a critical point for your history.
To all the patriotic citizens of Venezuela: pic.twitter.com/qlByCPk7QjTo 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.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.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/yaxAj7wS7oUS 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