Maduro describes far-right as 'reactionary group', recalls diplomats

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Jul 2024 05:26

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned far-right violence and interventionist actions by right-wing governments, announcing the withdrawal of diplomatic staff from several countries in response to their refusal to recognize his re-election.

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Protesters demonstrate against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro's reelection, the day after the vote in Valencia, Venezuela, Monday, July 29, 2024. (AP)

On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addressed the nation from Miraflores Palace, denouncing far-right efforts to destabilize the country. He accused them of employing "paid criminal groups to incite violence" with the aim of attacking Venezuela's government.

Maduro reported that several individuals responsible for the violence have been detained and assured that "security forces are working to maintain peace," with all those involved facing "justice according to Venezuelan laws."

He described the far-right as "a reactionary group, not a legitimate political party," emphasizing that "the Bolivarian Revolution is the only guarantee of peace and stability in the country." Maduro called for continued popular mobilization to ensure peace in every community, asserting, "Our victory is for peace, stability, dialogue, and understanding."

In turn, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced that 23 soldiers have been injured, some with firearms, during Monday's violence.

In a similar context, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil stated that "Those who do not recognize the will of the people came out to beat people for being with Chavez and to shoot innocent people."

Additionally, Gil explained, "They came out to burn state facilities and destroy buses... They are the worst enemies of democracy in the world... They're fascists."

Earlier, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly rejected the interventionist actions and statements from right-wing governments aligned with Washington that aimed to ignore the results of the presidential election held on July 28, 2024. This election confirmed Nicolas Maduro for a new constitutional term as president from 2025 to 2031.

In response to this threat to national sovereignty, Venezuela has decided to withdraw all diplomatic staff from its missions in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, while demanding that these governments immediately withdraw their representatives from Venezuelan territory.