Venezuela’s oil behind the aggressive plans of the US

AKEL urges Government to defend International Law, the UN Charter and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of states

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 31 January 2019

As the operation to execute a coup d’état in Venezuela and the American threats issued against the country’s people and government are escalating, AKEL reiterates its solidarity with Venezuela and denounces the plans for foreign intervention. Trump and his advisers – after the sanctions, the support expressed for a coup d’état and the threats issued – are now even drawing up plans for a military intervention in the country.

Whether someone identifies or not politically with the Maduro government is not judged today. Today the issue of whether the US and its allies can intervene in sovereign states, choose their government and future is decided. It has been proved in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Yugoslavia that behind all the US talk about democracy and human rights lie geopolitical interests, oil and natural gas. This is happening today in Venezuela as well. Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton, speaking to “Fox News” the day before yesterday, admitted in a completely cynical way what is at stake in Venezuela: “…We’re talking with big American companies now. […]It will make a big difference to the United States economically if we can have American oil companies produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela; it will be good for the people of Venezuela for the people of the United States.”

We welcome the fact that the US effort to win support for coup d’état forces has failed, both IN the Security Council of the United Nations, as well as in the Organization of American States. The European Union, however, with declarations issued by EU institutions and member states is repeating the aggressive threats and ultimatums issued against Venezuela.

In view of the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council, we urge the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Foreign Minister not to join forces in supporting the line of Trump and other reactionary forces in the EU. Cyprus must defend International Law, the UN Charter and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of states. The modern history of our country demands from our country’s leadership to oppose an attempted coup d’état which is a vehicle for foreign intervention against an independent and sovereign state.