WASHINGTON, Feb 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The US “strongly condemns” the
Venezuelan military’s use of force, the White House said Friday after troops
shot dead two indigenous people who were part of a group trying to keep the
country’s border with Brazil open to humanitarian aid.
“The United States strongly condemns the Venezuelan military’s use of
force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers on Venezuela’s border
with Brazil,” a statement said.
“Interim President Juan Guaido has requested immediate humanitarian
assistance from the international community for the people of his country,
while the Maduro regime has given orders to close the borders and repress
those who seek to bring aid into the country.
“The Venezuelan military must allow humanitarian aid to peacefully enter
the country. The world is watching.”
Humanitarian aid has become a key focus of the power struggle between
President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been
recognized as interim leader by more than 50 countries.
The 35-year-old leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly declared himself
interim president last month and is calling for fresh polls, branding Maduro
a “usurper” and accusing him of rigging his re-election last May.