Cleveland Peace Action calls on the Trump Administration to cease actions against the government and people of Venezuela. We call for an end to sanctions, attempts of regime change, and threats of military action in Venezuela.

Former United Nations rapporteur Alfred de Zayas has criticized the U.S. for engaging in “economic warfare” against Venezuela, which exacerbates the economic and humanitarian crisis facing the country. We concur with his assessment that sanctions on the country are illegal and could amount to “crimes against humanity” under international law.

The United Nations, the Red Cross and other relief organizations have refused to work with the U.S. on delivering aid to Venezuela, which they say is politically motivated.

Three members of the US Congress, California Rep. Ro Khanna, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, have condemned the U.S. actions in Venezuela, the recognition of Guaidó, a $20 million aid package to the Venezuelan opposition, and the threat of further action, including military

“A U.S. backed coup in Venezuela is not a solution to the dire issues they face.” Omar tweeted. “Trump’s efforts to install a far right opposition will only incite violence and further destabilize the region. We must support Mexico, Uruguay & the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful dialogue.”

Trump’s recent appointment of Elliot Abrams as U.S. Special Envoy sends a strong signal of planned intervention. Abrams is notorious for being found guilty for his role in the Iran-Contra scandal. He guided U.S. policy towards supporting genocide in Guatemala under Reagan, planned the Panama invasion under George H.W. Bush, and was instrumental in the failed coup in Venezuela against Hugo Chavez in 2002 under George W. Bush.

Let us not assume that such an attack would go any better than the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. A high-ranking U.S. general Retired Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, who led command over South America,said that a military intervention was the wrong course of action. Venezuela has 515,000 troops that would resist any intervention. Even if an intervention succeeded in removing Maduro, civil war and a U.S. occupation could follow.

Trump’s policy must be stopped by the people of the United States, with calls to Congress to stop this trek down a path of folly and chaos. The governance of Venezuela is up to its people.

https://peaceactioncleveland.org/2019/02/22/657/