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Tensions have been mounting in Venezuela since parliamentary speaker Juan Guaido proclaimed himself the country's interim president on Wednesday (January 23rd), facing Nicolas Maduro. After the recognition of the opposition leader by several states, including Washington, the president in place said Friday, January 25 ready to meet with Mr. Guaido to establish a " national dialogue ". But the latter announced that he would not participate in a " false dialogue ".
At a press conference on Friday (January 25th), Venezuelan head of state Nicolas Maduro said he was ready Friday to meet parliamentary opposition leader Juan Guaido. " I am committed to a national dialogue. Today, tomorrow, always (...), I'll be ready to go where to go. Personally, if I have to go see this boy (...) I go there , "said Nicolas Maduro referring to Juan Guaido.
But the latter, aged 35, rejected the offer, saying he would participate in any " false dialogue " with the government. " The repression, when it does not work, is transformed into a false dialogue, " said the opponent, who spent the last two days in a secret place in Caracas.
Guaido calls for a "big mobilization" next week
In front of hundreds of supporters in a square of Chacao, a district of the east of Caracas, in what was his first public appearance since his self-proclamation as " president in office ". He called on opponents to a new " big mobilization " next week, without specifying the date, reports our correspondent Benjamin Delille .
For this weekend, he wants the Venezuelans to form small popular assemblies, in all cities, in all public places, to communicate on the road map of the opposition. That is, " the end of the usurpation, the creation of a transitional government, and the convening of free elections ." He wants each of his supporters to print the amnesty law for civil servants and the military so that everyone understands its contents.
He renewed his call to the military. He asked them to side with the Constitution by refusing the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro.
In front of his supporters, Juan Guaido also made other announcements, including that he would have raised $ 20 million for the opening of a " humanitarian channel " in Venezuela. A news that has been accuillie by shouts of joy from the crowd. For Venezuelans, this will help them in the serious economic crisis that the country is going through, particularly because of shortages of food and medicine, reports our correspondent.
He also announced the reopening of an opposition television channel Radio Caracas (RCTV) that had been closed by the government.
Mexico proposed to host a meeting between Maduro and Guaido
Mexico, one of the few Latin American countries that did not recognize Juan Guaido, proposed to host the two protagonists of the crisis to begin discussions. " If the parties request it, we are in the best position to help them to have a dialogue, " said leftist President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Possible American pressure tactics on Maduro
The US administration continues to put pressure on the government of Nicolas Maduro with several means, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UN Security Council. Washington had already recognized Juan Guaido as " interim president ." But Washington has other very effective, non-military means.
According to the White House, all options are on the table, although a US military intervention in Venezuela to chase the chavist regime from the presidential palace is not likely yet. The option of an invasion for humanitarian reasons does not favor Washington either.
In both cases, American soldiers would be de facto occupiers and clashes with the Venezuelan army or Bolivarian militias would therefore be inevitable.
The United States has means that appear much more effective today to put pressure on Nicolas Maduro and his government that the use of military force. The Trump administration could notably investigate Venezuelan bank accounts and assets in the United States and freeze them.
However, the most formidable American weapon remains oil : the United States indeed buy a third of the oil production of Venezuela . In 2018, these imports averaged 58,000 barrels a day. But many experts warn against oil sanctions. This option would hit a Venezuelan population already at bay.