CARICOM appeals for calm and peace in Venezuela

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has appealed for ‘calm and peace’ in response to the continued rising tensions in Venezuela.

On Tuesday, Juan Guaidó, opposition leader and president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, tried to trigger a military defection in order to force President Nicolas Maduro from office. Guaidó also urged public employees to strike to undermine the government.

Guaidó’s actions, which he called “the final phase of the plan to oust Maduro from office,” sparked protests in Venezuela, but failed to result in the military coup he desired.

CARICOM Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris said in a statement on Tuesday that the region had been apprised of the situation in Venezuela, which appears to be nearing a boiling point.

He said he has been in contact with other CARICOM leaders and the CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque on the unfolding situation in Caracas.

“I appeal for calm and peace,” Harris said, while noting that CARICOM will continue to make every effort to help bring a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s political crisis.

“My colleague Heads of Government and I are collectively charged with ensuring the continued security and stability of our beloved Caribbean region,” Harris said, while adding, “this responsibility is our first and foremost priority as we work in unison to safeguard our people’s future.”

Harris said CARICOM has been working earnestly to promote meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, as well as a four-phased process called the Montevideo Mechanism whose aim is an inclusive and lasting solution.

“Such a considered approach can only redound to the benefit of the country and people of Venezuela and, by extension, the countries and citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said.

Harris is scheduled to visit Costa Rica next week for follow up discussions with the International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela.

Earlier this week, Guaidó appeared in a video with uniformed men, saying he had military support and called for more members of the military to help him end President Maduro’s “usurpation” of power.

The opposition leader, who declared himself interim leader of Venezuela earlier this year, has the backing of the United States and several other countries, while Maduro is being supported by Russia, China and Cuba.

On Thursday, in a show of defiance, Maduro appeared flanked by soldiers at an army base in Caracas.

He called on the armed forces to oppose “any coup plotter”, as clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government forces continued. He also praised the army’s loyalty, calling on the military to unite in defence of the constitution.

“No one dare touch our sacred ground or bring war to Venezuela”, he said.