My point albeit exaggerated is that the NDP must offer some serious support to an endangered elected president, offsetting the clearly illegal efforts of the Government. At least a vote must be made in Parliament to offer the Venezuela Government support to defend itself by media and militarily.
A resolution must be introduced in Parliament, so that we know clearly who is on the side of international rule of law, who is not!
International observers to Venezuela’s elections have written to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about the problems with the EU declaration on the elections. You can read a short extract of the EU declaration statement and the letter in response below. You can read the full EU declaration here.
Dear Ms Mogherini,
I was a member of a roughly hundred-strong core of observers of the May 20 Venezuelan election. We met senior representatives of all the candidates, and questioned them closely. We met with the president and two vice-presidents of the Supreme Judicial Tribunal. We examined the electoral system in detail and, on election day, observed voting procedures across the country.
We noted, in particular, not only the sophistication of the voting system which, in our collective view, is fraud-proof, but also that every stage, from the vote itself to the collation of returns, their verification and electronic submission, was conducted in the presence of representatives of the contending parties. As for “reporting irregularities”, we would be interested to hear of examples, since the reporting system is exceptionally rigorous and tamper-free. We doubt you have any evidence to back up the EU’s claim of “numerous reporting irregularities”.
We were unanimous in concluding that the elections were conducted fairly, that the election conditions were not biased, that genuine irregularities were exceptionally few and of a very minor nature. There was no vote buying because there is no way that a vote CAN be bought. The procedure itself precludes any possibility of anyone knowing how a voter cast her or his vote; and it is impossible – as we verified – for an individual to vote more than once or for anyone to vote on behalf of someone else.
In short, the claims in your press release are fabrications of the most disgraceful kind, based on hearsay and not on evidence and unworthy of the EU. It has not escaped notice that the EU was invited to send observers to the election and declined to do so. NONE of the criticism in your EU press release is, therefore, based on direct EU observation in the field....
What a nasty piece of CBC work this is. A la Guardian, a liberal honey-trap designed to get open-minded and confused gullibles to swallow the imperialist strychnine...
"The former bus driver and union leader who took over from his mentor, the mildly unhinged Hugo Chavez, is just another dreary tyrant, the type usually referred to as a 'strongman' by cliche-loving journalists. He's a thug, a Cuban-communist-trained thug loathed by the American government, which has, of course, endeared him to the political left in the West...He actually personifies how fascists and Marxists, when they indulge their hunger for power start behaving alike..."
Your tax-dollars at work Canucklheads...Hey NR, how did you miss this one!?
What a nasty piece of CBC work this is. A la Guardian, a liberal honey-trap designed to get open-minded and confused gullibles to swallow the imperialist strychnine...
"The former bus driver and union leader who took over from his mentor, the mildly unhinged Hugo Chavez, is just another dreary tyrant, the type usually referred to as a 'strongman' by cliche-loving journalists. He's a thug, a Cuban-communist-trained thug loathed by the American government, which has, of course, endeared him to the political left in the West...He actually personifies how fascists and Marxists, when they indulge their hunger for power start behaving alike..."
Your tax-dollars at work Canucklheads...Hey NR, how did you miss this one!?
Yeah, I found that paragraph really shitty too. MacDonald seems to be pretty cynical, but still buying into many of the Imperial myths. On the other hand, later on in the article, he compares Maduro to el-Sisi of Egypt, and rather scathingly points out the hypocrisy of Trudeau in being fine with one, while accusing the other of crimes against humanity. It isn't a total loss as a work of journalism.
What a nasty piece of CBC work this is. A la Guardian, a liberal honey-trap designed to get open-minded and confused gullibles to swallow the imperialist strychnine...
"The former bus driver and union leader who took over from his mentor, the mildly unhinged Hugo Chavez, is just another dreary tyrant, the type usually referred to as a 'strongman' by cliche-loving journalists. He's a thug, a Cuban-communist-trained thug loathed by the American government, which has, of course, endeared him to the political left in the West...He actually personifies how fascists and Marxists, when they indulge their hunger for power start behaving alike..."
Your tax-dollars at work Canucklheads...Hey NR, how did you miss this one!?
Im constantly going on about the shitty garbage writers and articles I read from the cbc and Toronto star! I was actually contemplating making a comment about this cbc ripe turd, but since u started, I’ll add!
First off, I don’t like this term “regime” being used all the time. If cbc junk imperialist corporate media writers are going to use it, then use it for the liberals conservatives democrats republicans hey. But that’s not how the white supremist imperialist corporate media works in this country when writing about western countries.
Also, stop taking every opportunity to kiss Justin’s ugly ass! It’s getting embarrassing reading, do you imperialist corporate media (icm) writers have no shame?
Stop trying to pretend you’re progressives. Just because your all for LGBTQ’s rights doesn’t mean you’re against sadistic barbaric savage trade embargoes and sanctions or even against military intervention!
Sorry brother but I’m going to have to disagree with you.
This “soft criticism” the writer suggests is a feeble attempt to gain credibility with progressives. And when progressives give icm writers a bit of credibility, it gives icm writer the opportunity to shovel some BS through the door they wedged their foot in!
"The Venezuelan government claimed to have an arms shipment coming from the US on Wednesday..."
As well, a most articulate expression of the current international situation and a succinct encapsulation of the objectives of the anti-Venezuelan alliance can be heard from one of the Venezuelan citizen's comments. It should not be forgotten:
According to Reuters, the admiral said the US military is prepared to protect US personnel and diplomatic facilities in Venezuela "if necessary."
"We are prepared to protect US personnel and diplomatic facilities if necessary," Navy Admiral Craig Faller, the head of US Southern Command, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
"If you weren't around to experience the most deranged, McCarthyite propaganda of The Cold War, it was *exactly* like this. The world had a short respite, now we're back."
"Guiado was at his alma mater, Andres Bello Catholic University, on Wednesday to speak to a group of farmers about improving the country's food supply. The engineer by training has become a high-profile politician, trailed by journalists, admirers and selfie-hunters.
As he ducked into a building at the school in Caracas, he ran into what appeared to be an old friend. The two embraced, and the friend looked at him with wonder. "You're a rockstar," the friend told him.
There is, indeed, a certain Obama-like quality about Guaido, something his supporters seem to sense, breaking out into shouts of "Si, se puede" ("Yes, we can") when he enters the auditorium — although the populist rallying cry predates both Guaido and Obama by several decades."
-------------------
Mobo: I like the telling admissions they made in the article below, probably because they were unable to get any "man on the street" reports from supporters of Guaido willing to talk to them from some place other than behind a locked door.
"Many opposition supporters would be reluctant to venture into the poor barrios where President Nicolas Maduro can still find support, and foreign journalists who visit them are sometimes met with considerable hostility.
But CBC News found only kindness and hospitality when we visited the Marin barrio in San Agustin parish, a towering ridge of cinderblock houses and corrugated iron roofs that is served by a cable car built 10 years ago by the Chavez government at an exorbitant (and heavily padded) price.
Most of the residents CBC News spoke to in San Agustin agreed about one thing: they don't like Venezuela being threatened with potential military action by the United States." ....
"Maria Lourdes Rodriguez speaks through the iron bars that cover her window. She apologizes for not opening the door, but she's cleaning. She says that for the U.S. to occupy Venezuela, "they'd have to kill everyone here." Does she really think they'll do it?
"No, because we have Russia and China, and they won't let it happen. The [oil] deposits belong to us, and with them, we'll be able to move forward."
"If you weren't around to experience the most deranged, McCarthyite propaganda of The Cold War, it was *exactly* like this. The world had a short respite, now we're back."
This is right out of the disinformation agitprop playbook. Cuba, Arbenz, Allende, Bosch, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Iraq. The list is a long one. Pompeo did forget to mention that the Hezbollah cells brought yellow cake with them.
Proud of my sisters and brothers of CUPW, yet again, and as always.
Quote:
CUPW condemns the Government of Canada’s decision to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela, over the elected president Nicolas Maduro.
It is deeply disturbing that the Canadian government has chosen to support this US-backed coup, which is in direct violation of international law. By following the US agenda in Venezuela, Canada has aligned itself with the right-wing regimes of the Lima Group and Donald Trump, who resemble past US governments who intervened and disrupted democratically elected governments in the Americas and elsewhere in the world. This is unacceptable.
A LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT
Venezuelans created their Bolivarian Constitution from the ground up and have held several democratic elections. Venezuelans are capable of running their country without interference and harassment from the United States and its allies, including Canada.
Venezuela is currently facing economic difficulties, many a direct result of economic sanctions levied against Venezuela by the United States, in hopes of triggering a change in government.
A USURPATION OF THE POWER
On January 3, 2019, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido swore himself in as interim president. He was quickly (and illegally) recognized by Canada, the US and other US allies. What is happening in Venezuela is a usurpation of the democratic process.
The presidential elections of May 20, 2018 were free, transparent, reliable, secure and in accordance with the law, according to observers from around the world, including a CUPW delegate, who traveled to Venezuela to observe the elections.
President Maduro won with nearly 67.84% of the vote. None of the candidates who participated in the electoral process contested the results. Canada and the US are claiming that the electoral process was not legitimate, despite assurances from numerous observers that it was. What they are really saying is that the latest elections did not garner the outcome they had hoped for.
IN CUPW WE DO NOT SUPPORT US-BACKED COUP D’ÉTATS.
Let us not be fooled. The US support of this coup is about one thing: oil. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves and US National Security Advisor John Bolton has publicly stated that the US has a lot at stake in Venezuela’s political crisis, specifically citing the country’s oil and the benefit it could bring to the US.
“It will make a big difference to the United States economically if we could have American oil companies really invest in and produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela,” said Bolton.
WE SUPPORT THE VENEZUELAN PEOPLE AND THE POSTAL WORKERS
Meanwhile, Canada continues its relations with horrific regimes like Saudi Arabia. CUPW maintains solidarity with the Venezuelan people and its postal workers. Under the Bolivarian Constitution, Venezuelan government worker rights, health and safety, and rights to health care were vastly improved. We stand with our sisters and brothers in their fight to protect their rights and democracy from foreign governments’ who are intent on dismantling them.
My heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of CUPW! And any assistence given to them!
My one question is, that if can arrange shipments of fairtrade products from the people of Venezuela, direct from their communities, would the people of CUPW be interested to buy?
The PQ has asked the Quebec National Assembly to recognize U.S. puppet Juan Guaidó. Their original motion, filed yesterday, also called on the Venezuelan armed forces to "show their loyalty" to Guaidó. That paragraph got deleted (even the staunchest PQ partisans were ready to take up arms against leader Pascal Bérubé), but the rest of the motion is still intact. This party seems determined to undo any progressive measure or sentiment demonstrated in its earlier incarnations. Try to imagine an allegedly sovereignist party deciding on who should rule in a foreign country. It beggars belief. Kudos to Québec Solidaire for exposing and denouncing this.
"Washington's intention is unmistakeable. It seeks to starve the Venezuelan population into submission, render the country ungovernable and carrying through a regime-change operation to install a right-wing puppet government. The right-wing governments of Latin America, along with Canada and the major European powers, have followed suit in what amounts to a criminal and predatory scramble for control over Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest of any country on the planet.
But the Red Cross and Caritas, the Catholic Church and affiliated aid groups, have refused to participate in any operation involving the 'humanitarian corridor', citing their principles of neutrality and independence..."
In Venezuela, White Supremacy is a Key to Trump's Coup
"This story of Venezuela in black and white, the story not told in the New York Times nor the rest of our establishment media. This year's so-called 'popular uprising' is, at its heart, a furious backlash of the whiter (and wealthier) Venezuelans against their replacement by the larger Mestizo mixed-race poor..."
An important meeting on Venezuela concluded in Montevideo, Uruguay today. Representatives from Uruguay, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador gathered and formed what is now being called the International Contact Group on Venezuela. EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini presented the final declaration. Here’s what she said.
FEDERICA MOGHERINI:The group aims to forge a common international approach to support a peaceful, political, democratic, and Venezuelan-owned resolution to the crisis, excluding the use of force through free, transparent, and credible presidential elections, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution. To that end, the Group, through the co-chairs of the meeting–that is, the two of us–will proceed with the necessary contact with relevant Venezuelan actors, as well as with regional and international partners, with the aim of first establish the necessary guarantees for a credible electoral process within the earliest timeframe possible. And second, enable the urgent delivery of assistance in accordance with international humanitarian principles.
To implement these goals, the International Contact Group will send a technical mission to the country. The group will reconvene at ministerial level by the beginning of March to take stock of progress, and in between we will have a senior officials meeting in the next couple of weeks.
SHARMINI PERIES:However, it is important to note that this declaration was not signed by Mexico and Bolivia. According to Bolivia’s foreign minister, his government did not agree with the Contact Group’s call for early elections. He said this could only be an end result of such negotiations. Just prior to the International Contact Group meeting, Mexico and Paraguay came to a different agreement on Venezuela which came to be known as the Montevideo mechanism. This agreement focuses on four steps of the negotiation strategy for overcoming the crisis in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry said that it has information that the White House has been discussing plans for a military intervention in Venezuela.
SHARMINI PERIES:All right. Miguel, let me go to you first. The Lima Group, which consists of 12 very conservative governments of Latin America plus Canada, has discounted the possibility of negotiations, and is calling for the Maduro government to step down immediately. And of course, this means recognizing Juan Guaido, the self-proclaimed president of Venezuela. How do you see the chances of this international Contact Group, then, compared to, say, the Lima Group? Let’s compare the weight to the two bodies.
MIGUEL TINKER SALAS:Well the weight of the two is obviously you have on the one side the conservative governments of Latin America, who first tried to sanction Venezuela in the Organization of American States, and unable to do that because they met resistance from the Caribbean nations and Central American nations. Then opted to form this Lima Group, where they had consensus, and where they sought, essentially, regime change in Venezuela. This, again, is the result of a conservative upsurge in many South American countries that provided the context for that. What we have in this Contact Group is a much broader set of countries. But again, the idea that if you start from the premise that right that the elections are the starting point, you really haven’t reached a level of negotiation to discuss what is the understanding of that process.
Because what if you had elections tomorrow, and the Chavistas win? Is the opposition going to accept that? Or vice versa, if you have elections tomorrow and the opposition wins, would the Chavistas have faith in the political system? The larger question is how do we reach a level of consensus through negotiations that help reach a level where maybe elections are an outcome at the end of a process, not at the beginning of a process.
"It's convenient but incorrect to simply blame the US for Ottawa's nefarious role in the slow motion attempted coup currently underway in Venezuela..."
Venezuelan Feminist Groups Reject Foreign Intervention
"Womens' organizations issued a statement calling on international social movements and organizations to support peace and dialogue efforts to resolve the political situation in the country..."
I am not sure this has been posted. As it is a press release I am posting it all. This is worth spreading far and wide.
Dear Ms Mogherini,
I was a member of a roughly hundred-strong core of observers of the May 20 Venezuelan election. We met senior representatives of all the candidates, and questioned them closely. We met with the president and two vice-presidents of the Supreme Judicial Tribunal. We examined the electoral system in detail and, on election day, observed voting procedures across the country.
We noted, in particular, not only the sophistication of the voting system which, in our collective view, is fraud-proof, but also that every stage, from the vote itself to the collation of returns, their verification and electronic submission, was conducted in the presence of representatives of the contending parties. As for “reporting irregularities”, we would be interested to hear of examples, since the reporting system is exceptionally rigorous and tamper-free. We doubt you have any evidence to back up the EU’s claim of “numerous reporting irregularities”.
We were unanimous in concluding that the elections were conducted fairly, that the election conditions were not biased, that genuine irregularities were exceptionally few and of a very minor nature. There was no vote buying because there is no way that a vote CAN be bought. The procedure itself precludes any possibility of anyone knowing how a voter cast her or his vote; and it is impossible – as we verified – for an individual to vote more than once or for anyone to vote on behalf of someone else.
In short, the claims in your press release are fabrications of the most disgraceful kind, based on hearsay and not on evidence and unworthy of the EU. It has not escaped notice that the EU was invited to send observers to the election and declined to do so. NONE of the criticism in your EU press release is, therefore, based on direct EU observation in the field.
I would be happy to discuss this further with you and to put you or your colleagues in touch with other observers – among whom were senior politicians, academics, election officials, journalists and civil servants from many different nations including: Spain, UK, Northern Ireland, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Honduras, Italy, several Caribbean countries, South Africa, Tunisia, China, Russia,and the United States (sic).
Yours sincerely,
Jeremy Fox, journalist / writer Jospeh Farrell, Board of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Calvin Tucker, journalist MS Dr Francisco Dominguez, Latin American Studies, Middlesex University
So Magoo as expected you are backing the fascist coup.
I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll have to say it again, but don't mistake my criticisms of Venezuela's government with actual support for the opposition. I've never suggested that they would necessarily make a better government -- only that the people of Venezuela deserve an honest opportunity to decide that for themselves.
Since we're going down memory lane, remember the constitutional right to a recall referendum? Seems to me that the whole idea behind a recall referendum is literally to prevent a coup. Let people choose at the polls so they don't have to choose in the streets.
... and weren’t leading opposition candidates prevented from running in the presidential election?
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
And on the way to a Julia Sanchez event earlier today, I saw on TV that there are protests against Jovenel Moise in Haiti. People are protesting, and Haiti's desperately poor. Protests plus poverty equals regime change, right? Clearly we should be expecting Trudeau to recognize Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the last democratically elected Haitian president, as the current president. Any day now.
... and weren’t leading opposition candidates prevented from running in the presidential election?
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
Yes, this has happened in several countries. But only Venezuela gets the regime change treatment.
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
Thats a pretty bold statement coming from a self proclaimed pacifist! Good comment, keep sharing the expanded thought!
Throw millions of dollars at the problem, hoping whatever companies recieve the aid money mostly spend it on aid?
Sanction the starving people until they, risk starving further?
Become physically involved and try to force a government change?
Treat Venezuela like a friend! Open up trade dialogue cultural exchanges. This would be beneficial for both Canada and Venezuela.
But canadian government will not do any such thing because McCarthyism is still in full force to prevent any cultural exchange with a socialist country. God forbid Canadians start warming up to and accepting communism!
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
Thats a pretty bold statement coming from a self proclaimed pacifist! Good comment, keep sharing the expanded thought!
Well, of course I am suggesting diplomacy, not military action.
My point albeit exaggerated is that the NDP must offer some serious support to an endangered elected president, offsetting the clearly illegal efforts of the Government. At least a vote must be made in Parliament to offer the Venezuela Government support to defend itself by media and militarily.
A resolution must be introduced in Parliament, so that we know clearly who is on the side of international rule of law, who is not!
International Observers to Venezuela’s Election Pen Letter to the EU
International observers to Venezuela’s elections have written to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, about the problems with the EU declaration on the elections. You can read a short extract of the EU declaration statement and the letter in response below. You can read the full EU declaration here.
Dear Ms Mogherini,
I was a member of a roughly hundred-strong core of observers of the May 20 Venezuelan election. We met senior representatives of all the candidates, and questioned them closely. We met with the president and two vice-presidents of the Supreme Judicial Tribunal. We examined the electoral system in detail and, on election day, observed voting procedures across the country.
We noted, in particular, not only the sophistication of the voting system which, in our collective view, is fraud-proof, but also that every stage, from the vote itself to the collation of returns, their verification and electronic submission, was conducted in the presence of representatives of the contending parties. As for “reporting irregularities”, we would be interested to hear of examples, since the reporting system is exceptionally rigorous and tamper-free. We doubt you have any evidence to back up the EU’s claim of “numerous reporting irregularities”.
We were unanimous in concluding that the elections were conducted fairly, that the election conditions were not biased, that genuine irregularities were exceptionally few and of a very minor nature. There was no vote buying because there is no way that a vote CAN be bought. The procedure itself precludes any possibility of anyone knowing how a voter cast her or his vote; and it is impossible – as we verified – for an individual to vote more than once or for anyone to vote on behalf of someone else.
In short, the claims in your press release are fabrications of the most disgraceful kind, based on hearsay and not on evidence and unworthy of the EU. It has not escaped notice that the EU was invited to send observers to the election and declined to do so. NONE of the criticism in your EU press release is, therefore, based on direct EU observation in the field....
Chris Hedges Discusses NYT Support For US-Led Coups
https://youtu.be/4OW1nAj7b_M
Former NYT journalist Chris Hedges weighs in on the ongoing US coup attempt in Venezuela. "A clear violation of international law..."
Today, Canada decides to stand up for human rights in... (spins wheel) Venezuela: Neil Macdonald
What a shit show. Hopefully this ardent need for regime change or interventions fliters out like it did with Crimea.
What a nasty piece of CBC work this is. A la Guardian, a liberal honey-trap designed to get open-minded and confused gullibles to swallow the imperialist strychnine...
"The former bus driver and union leader who took over from his mentor, the mildly unhinged Hugo Chavez, is just another dreary tyrant, the type usually referred to as a 'strongman' by cliche-loving journalists. He's a thug, a Cuban-communist-trained thug loathed by the American government, which has, of course, endeared him to the political left in the West...He actually personifies how fascists and Marxists, when they indulge their hunger for power start behaving alike..."
Your tax-dollars at work Canucklheads...Hey NR, how did you miss this one!?
Loss for words. WOW. Let's face it, many in power have absolutely no respect for the working class or poor or any persons oppressed for their colour.
Yeah, I found that paragraph really shitty too. MacDonald seems to be pretty cynical, but still buying into many of the Imperial myths. On the other hand, later on in the article, he compares Maduro to el-Sisi of Egypt, and rather scathingly points out the hypocrisy of Trudeau in being fine with one, while accusing the other of crimes against humanity. It isn't a total loss as a work of journalism.
Yes, the main point of the piece is the hypocrisy. And that’s a point not sufficiently made in the MSM.
Im constantly going on about the shitty garbage writers and articles I read from the cbc and Toronto star! I was actually contemplating making a comment about this cbc ripe turd, but since u started, I’ll add!
First off, I don’t like this term “regime” being used all the time. If cbc junk imperialist corporate media writers are going to use it, then use it for the liberals conservatives democrats republicans hey. But that’s not how the white supremist imperialist corporate media works in this country when writing about western countries.
Also, stop taking every opportunity to kiss Justin’s ugly ass! It’s getting embarrassing reading, do you imperialist corporate media (icm) writers have no shame?
Stop trying to pretend you’re progressives. Just because your all for LGBTQ’s rights doesn’t mean you’re against sadistic barbaric savage trade embargoes and sanctions or even against military intervention!
sorry I got a little off topic
Michael Moriarity wrote
It isn't a total loss as a work of journalism.
Sorry brother but I’m going to have to disagree with you.
This “soft criticism” the writer suggests is a feeble attempt to gain credibility with progressives. And when progressives give icm writers a bit of credibility, it gives icm writer the opportunity to shovel some BS through the door they wedged their foot in!
Caracas Seizes US Weapons Shipment - Report
https://youtu.be/o8FagSe0ePs
"The Venezuelan government claimed to have an arms shipment coming from the US on Wednesday..."
As well, a most articulate expression of the current international situation and a succinct encapsulation of the objectives of the anti-Venezuelan alliance can be heard from one of the Venezuelan citizen's comments. It should not be forgotten:
'The Oligarchy wants to seize the planet."
Bravo! Precisely
According to Reuters, the admiral said the US military is prepared to protect US personnel and diplomatic facilities in Venezuela "if necessary."
'Hezbollah is Active in Venezuela': Pompeo (and vid)
https://twitter.com/medialens/status/1093473761066663936
"If you weren't around to experience the most deranged, McCarthyite propaganda of The Cold War, it was *exactly* like this. The world had a short respite, now we're back."
The CBC coverage of this coup is descending from farce to tragedy:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/venezuela-opposition-guaido-maduro-1.5009016
"Guiado was at his alma mater, Andres Bello Catholic University, on Wednesday to speak to a group of farmers about improving the country's food supply. The engineer by training has become a high-profile politician, trailed by journalists, admirers and selfie-hunters.
As he ducked into a building at the school in Caracas, he ran into what appeared to be an old friend. The two embraced, and the friend looked at him with wonder. "You're a rockstar," the friend told him.
There is, indeed, a certain Obama-like quality about Guaido, something his supporters seem to sense, breaking out into shouts of "Si, se puede" ("Yes, we can") when he enters the auditorium — although the populist rallying cry predates both Guaido and Obama by several decades."
-------------------
Mobo: I like the telling admissions they made in the article below, probably because they were unable to get any "man on the street" reports from supporters of Guaido willing to talk to them from some place other than behind a locked door.
-----------------
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbc-venezuela-1.5007849
"Many opposition supporters would be reluctant to venture into the poor barrios where President Nicolas Maduro can still find support, and foreign journalists who visit them are sometimes met with considerable hostility.
But CBC News found only kindness and hospitality when we visited the Marin barrio in San Agustin parish, a towering ridge of cinderblock houses and corrugated iron roofs that is served by a cable car built 10 years ago by the Chavez government at an exorbitant (and heavily padded) price.
Most of the residents CBC News spoke to in San Agustin agreed about one thing: they don't like Venezuela being threatened with potential military action by the United States." ....
"Maria Lourdes Rodriguez speaks through the iron bars that cover her window. She apologizes for not opening the door, but she's cleaning. She says that for the U.S. to occupy Venezuela, "they'd have to kill everyone here." Does she really think they'll do it?
"No, because we have Russia and China, and they won't let it happen. The [oil] deposits belong to us, and with them, we'll be able to move forward."
Sounds to me like Maria knows what's up.
This is right out of the disinformation agitprop playbook. Cuba, Arbenz, Allende, Bosch, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Iraq. The list is a long one. Pompeo did forget to mention that the Hezbollah cells brought yellow cake with them.
It also stinks of Israel.
What do you mean?
They seemed to be pretty clear about it here:
James Woolsey on the Russians' efforts to disrupt elections
Watch at 4:35...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpWai3kZ-gM
:)
"only for a very good cause" LMAO
Proud of my sisters and brothers of CUPW, yet again, and as always.
My heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of CUPW! And any assistence given to them!
My one question is, that if can arrange shipments of fairtrade products from the people of Venezuela, direct from their communities, would the people of CUPW be interested to buy?
Bravo Unionist! Good dig
The PQ has asked the Quebec National Assembly to recognize U.S. puppet Juan Guaidó. Their original motion, filed yesterday, also called on the Venezuelan armed forces to "show their loyalty" to Guaidó. That paragraph got deleted (even the staunchest PQ partisans were ready to take up arms against leader Pascal Bérubé), but the rest of the motion is still intact. This party seems determined to undo any progressive measure or sentiment demonstrated in its earlier incarnations. Try to imagine an allegedly sovereignist party deciding on who should rule in a foreign country. It beggars belief. Kudos to Québec Solidaire for exposing and denouncing this.
Tweet by QS caucus leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois
Washington Issues Ultimatum To Venezuela Over 'Humanitarian Aid' Ploy
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/02/07/vene-f07.html
"Washington's intention is unmistakeable. It seeks to starve the Venezuelan population into submission, render the country ungovernable and carrying through a regime-change operation to install a right-wing puppet government. The right-wing governments of Latin America, along with Canada and the major European powers, have followed suit in what amounts to a criminal and predatory scramble for control over Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest of any country on the planet.
But the Red Cross and Caritas, the Catholic Church and affiliated aid groups, have refused to participate in any operation involving the 'humanitarian corridor', citing their principles of neutrality and independence..."
In Venezuela, White Supremacy is a Key to Trump's Coup
https://www.gregpalast.com/in-venezuela-white-supremacy-is-a-key-to-trum...
"This story of Venezuela in black and white, the story not told in the New York Times nor the rest of our establishment media. This year's so-called 'popular uprising' is, at its heart, a furious backlash of the whiter (and wealthier) Venezuelans against their replacement by the larger Mestizo mixed-race poor..."
Gorilla Radio on Venezuela (podcast)
http://www.gorilla-radio.com/2019/02/07/gorilla-radio-chris-cook-daniel-...
"A kettle of vultures over Caracas..."
Geo-Political Realignments Over Venezuela
quote:
SHARMINI PERIES:
An important meeting on Venezuela concluded in Montevideo, Uruguay today. Representatives from Uruguay, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador gathered and formed what is now being called the International Contact Group on Venezuela. EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini presented the final declaration. Here’s what she said.
FEDERICA MOGHERINI: The group aims to forge a common international approach to support a peaceful, political, democratic, and Venezuelan-owned resolution to the crisis, excluding the use of force through free, transparent, and credible presidential elections, in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution. To that end, the Group, through the co-chairs of the meeting–that is, the two of us–will proceed with the necessary contact with relevant Venezuelan actors, as well as with regional and international partners, with the aim of first establish the necessary guarantees for a credible electoral process within the earliest timeframe possible. And second, enable the urgent delivery of assistance in accordance with international humanitarian principles.
To implement these goals, the International Contact Group will send a technical mission to the country. The group will reconvene at ministerial level by the beginning of March to take stock of progress, and in between we will have a senior officials meeting in the next couple of weeks.
SHARMINI PERIES: However, it is important to note that this declaration was not signed by Mexico and Bolivia. According to Bolivia’s foreign minister, his government did not agree with the Contact Group’s call for early elections. He said this could only be an end result of such negotiations. Just prior to the International Contact Group meeting, Mexico and Paraguay came to a different agreement on Venezuela which came to be known as the Montevideo mechanism. This agreement focuses on four steps of the negotiation strategy for overcoming the crisis in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry said that it has information that the White House has been discussing plans for a military intervention in Venezuela.
SHARMINI PERIES: All right. Miguel, let me go to you first. The Lima Group, which consists of 12 very conservative governments of Latin America plus Canada, has discounted the possibility of negotiations, and is calling for the Maduro government to step down immediately. And of course, this means recognizing Juan Guaido, the self-proclaimed president of Venezuela. How do you see the chances of this international Contact Group, then, compared to, say, the Lima Group? Let’s compare the weight to the two bodies.
MIGUEL TINKER SALAS: Well the weight of the two is obviously you have on the one side the conservative governments of Latin America, who first tried to sanction Venezuela in the Organization of American States, and unable to do that because they met resistance from the Caribbean nations and Central American nations. Then opted to form this Lima Group, where they had consensus, and where they sought, essentially, regime change in Venezuela. This, again, is the result of a conservative upsurge in many South American countries that provided the context for that. What we have in this Contact Group is a much broader set of countries. But again, the idea that if you start from the premise that right that the elections are the starting point, you really haven’t reached a level of negotiation to discuss what is the understanding of that process.
Because what if you had elections tomorrow, and the Chavistas win? Is the opposition going to accept that? Or vice versa, if you have elections tomorrow and the opposition wins, would the Chavistas have faith in the political system? The larger question is how do we reach a level of consensus through negotiations that help reach a level where maybe elections are an outcome at the end of a process, not at the beginning of a process.
Engler: Corporate Canada Behind Slow Motion Coup Attempt in Venezuela
https://dissidentvoice.org/2019/02/corporate-canada-behind-slow-motion-c...
"It's convenient but incorrect to simply blame the US for Ottawa's nefarious role in the slow motion attempted coup currently underway in Venezuela..."
Venezuelan Feminist Groups Reject Foreign Intervention
https://twitter.com/telesurenglish/status/1093879625787297798
"Womens' organizations issued a statement calling on international social movements and organizations to support peace and dialogue efforts to resolve the political situation in the country..."
I am not sure this has been posted. As it is a press release I am posting it all. This is worth spreading far and wide.
Yes, an excellent refutation of the pro-coup propaganda of 'rigged' elections.
Venezuela's Self-Proclaimed President Guaido isn't Ruling Out 'Authorizing' US Intervention
https://youtu.be/prK-7FtDS2o
Remember when the elected Assembly couldn't be sworn in because it was alleged that three MUD candidates had committed voting fraud?
Remember when Congress was elected with opposition party majority and maduro just set up his own congress?
Remember when the STJ (Supreme Court) declared themselves the new Assembly?
Juan Guaido: The Man Who Would Be President of Venezuela Doesn't Have A Constitutional Leg to Stand On
https://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/14308
"Guaido's party Popular Will is a far right marginal group whose most enthusiastic boosters are John Bolton, Elliott Abrams and Mike Pompeo..."
I guess that is why they got caught.
And instantly, too.
What came of that? Who won the by-elections to replace them?
So Magoo as expected you are backing the fascist coup. Carry on my wayward friend.
I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll have to say it again, but don't mistake my criticisms of Venezuela's government with actual support for the opposition. I've never suggested that they would necessarily make a better government -- only that the people of Venezuela deserve an honest opportunity to decide that for themselves.
Since we're going down memory lane, remember the constitutional right to a recall referendum? Seems to me that the whole idea behind a recall referendum is literally to prevent a coup. Let people choose at the polls so they don't have to choose in the streets.
'Progressive' Trudeau Government Attacks Venezuela
https://t.co/bspTrZRnuP
With neoliberalism's sights set on Venezuela, John Clarke examines the imperialism of a superficially progressive Canada..."
right-left imperialism
... and weren’t leading opposition candidates prevented from running in the presidential election?
I think western countries should recognize Lula as the legitimate president of Brazil, since he was way ahead in the polls, but was prevented from running by a totally corrupt judiciary. But I don't hear Trudeau making any statements about that, or questioning the legitimacy of Bolsonaro.
I think they boycotted.
And on the way to a Julia Sanchez event earlier today, I saw on TV that there are protests against Jovenel Moise in Haiti. People are protesting, and Haiti's desperately poor. Protests plus poverty equals regime change, right? Clearly we should be expecting Trudeau to recognize Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the last democratically elected Haitian president, as the current president. Any day now.
Some boycotted but the most popular were ruled ineligible
Yes, this has happened in several countries. But only Venezuela gets the regime change treatment.
So what should the world do?
What should Canada do?
Offer the people Venezuela thoughts and prayers?
Throw millions of dollars at the problem, hoping whatever companies recieve the aid money mostly spend it on aid?
Sanction the starving people until they, risk starving further?
Become physically involved and try to force a government change?
Arrest your own government's collaboration with the trashing of international law and increasing support for US imperialism might be a good start.
So have the RCMP arrest the Canadian government?
Thats a pretty bold statement coming from a self proclaimed pacifist! Good comment, keep sharing the expanded thought!
Treat Venezuela like a friend! Open up trade dialogue cultural exchanges. This would be beneficial for both Canada and Venezuela.
But canadian government will not do any such thing because McCarthyism is still in full force to prevent any cultural exchange with a socialist country. God forbid Canadians start warming up to and accepting communism!
Well, of course I am suggesting diplomacy, not military action.
https://mobile.twitter.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/1094661822081306626
Pages