Russia and the United States quarreled at the UN Security Council on Venezuela

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Russia's representative at the UN, Vasily Nebenzu, who said that the political situation in Venezuela does not pose a threat to other countries, writes “Currently,".

“If anything poses a threat to peace, it is the brazen and aggressive actions of the United States and its allies aimed at overthrowing the duly elected president of Venezuela,” Nebenzia said during his speech at a UN Security Council meeting on the Venezuelan political crisis.

In response, Pompeo described the difficult situation in the Venezuelan economy, blaming Nicholas Maduro and his government for the suffering of its citizens.

“The time has come for every nation to choose a side. No more delays, no more games. Either you are on the side of the forces of freedom, or in alliance with Maduro and his chaos,” said the head of the US foreign policy department.

.@SecPompeo: Pick it up. No more delays, no more games. Either you stand with your mind and your mayhem. #EstamosUnidosVE pic.twitter.com/QRpXqdN07V

- Department of State (@StateDept) January 26, 2019

On January 12, 26, at the initiative of Washington, held an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council, at which the US promoted a resolution in support of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaydo, but Russia, China, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea blocked this attempt, writesVoice of America".

The resolution stated that the UN recognizes the National Assembly (Maduro's opposition parliament) as the "sole democratically elected institution" in Venezuela.

In addition, during the meeting, Pompeo called on the world community to disconnect the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro from all international financial and payment systems.

Representatives of Britain, Germany, France and Spain said during the meeting that they are ready to recognize the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Juan Guaydo, as interim president if the Nicholas Maduro regime does not begin preparations for new elections in the next eight days.

Earlier, the United States, Canada, and several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, recognized Guido as the new president of Venezuela.

A Russian representative called the European countries' ultimatum "absurd," and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, who attended the meeting, said Europe "has no authority" to make such demands. At the same time, Arreaza said that Nicolas Maduro still hopes to begin communication with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, directly accused the USA of organizing a “coup d'état” in Venezuela.

“In fact, before our eyes, unceremoniously, in violation of all norms of international law, Washington is attempting to carry out a coup in this country,” said the Russian permanent representative. Nebenzia added that “a military scenario in Venezuela is unacceptable” and that foreign intervention in the country must be avoided “at all costs.”

The political crisis in Venezuela escalated after 23 January 35-year-old Juan Guaydo, who holds the post of head of the National Assembly of Venezuela, declared himself the leader of the country. Several states, including the United States, have declared recognition of the authority of Guaydo.

In response to this Maduro announced an attempted coup, severed diplomatic relations with the United States and gave the American diplomats 72 an hour to leave Venezuela, but Mike Pompeo said the diplomats would not go anywhere and stay in the country at the invitation of Guaydo.

Maduro assumed his second presidential term in early January 2019 - the opposition boycotted the elections and also accused him of voter fraud, writes with the BBC.

Why is Maduro's legitimacy challenged

Maduro was reelected for a second term in 2018, however, the elections were restless, many opposition candidates were jailed or faced with a ban on participation.

The National Assembly claims that in fact the presidency is not busy, since the elections were held with irregularities. In accordance with the Constitution, this means that Guaydo - as head of the assembly (parliament) - should assume the role of acting president.

Tens of thousands of people went to the protests in connection with the economic crisis in Venezuela. According to the opposition, the annual inflation rate reached 1,3 million percent last year.

Maduro still maintains the support of the armed forces, but Guaido called on the military to “come to the side of the Venezuelan people” and support them.

How the international community responded

The United States, more than a dozen Latin American countries, and Canada supported Guaydo after he declared himself the legitimate leader, but Russia, China, Mexico, and Turkey publicly supported Maduro.

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