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Branson organizing fund-raising concert for Venezuela
CARACAS, Feb 15, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – British billionaire Richard Branson is
organizing a big concert to raise 100 million dollars in humanitarian aid for
Venezuela and pressure the government to let it into the country.
The event will be held February 22 in the Colombian city of Cucuta, on the
border with Venezuela, and live-streamed on the internet.
“Venezuela is suffering and not that long ago it was the wealthiest
country in South America. Now it is facing the worst humanitarian crisis in
the Western Hemisphere,” Branson says in a video posted on
www.venezuelaaidlive.com.
The Virgin group founder said he is setting up the concert at the request
of national assembly speaker Juan Guaido, now recognized by more than 50
countries as Venezuela’s interim president, and jailed opposition leader
Leopoldo Lopez, to draw attention to the crisis in Venezuela.
“Our goal is to raise $100 million dollars in 60 days and reopen
Venezuela’s border so humanitarian aid can finally reach those millions who
need it the most,” said Branson.
The musicians scheduled to perform include Venezuelan reggaeton artist
Nacho, Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz and Colombians Carlos Vives and Juanes,
according to the web site.
Also on the bill are the singer of the hit song “Despacito”, Puerto Rico’s
Luis Fonsi, Spanish singer Miguel Bose, and British star Peter Gabriel.
The concert will be held a day before the date on which Guaido has
insisted that humanitarian aid will start flowing into the country. It is now
blocked at the border with Colombia.
Maduro refuses to let it in, saying this would be the first step toward a
US invasion.
“We must break this impasse or soon many Venezuelans will be on the edge
of starvation or death,” Branson said.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1910HRS