World War 3 RISK: Why is Russia and China BACKING Venezuela’s Maduro? Russia vs USA
VENEZUELA has been gripped by a presidential crisis following disputed results from the 2018 election. But why are Russia and China backing socialist leader Nicolas Maduro?
By GEORGINA LAUD
Express.co.uk
Thu, Jan 24, 2019
Incumbent President Nicolas Maduro was proclaimed president following the 2018 election, however, the results of this vote were widely disputed. Earlier this year, the results were declared invalid by the National Assembly of Venezuela and opposition candidate Juan Guaido given the title of acting president. The fallout from this crisis has seen widespread protests, and support for both sides around the world.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said today (Thursday) that Britain supports Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido as head of the democratically elected National Assembly.
The spokesman added that a 2018 presidential poll was neither free nor fair.
Guaido proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday, winning backing from Washington and parts of Latin America resulting in socialist Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States.
Mrs May’s spokesman said: “The 2018 presidential election in Venezuela was neither free nor fair, so the regime’s basis for power is deeply flawed.
“We fully support the democratically elected National Assembly with Juan Guaido as its president.
“In relation to the U.S, we think it is totally unacceptable for Venezuela to cut off diplomatic ties.
“The solution to this crisis lies in working to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution, not in expulsions.”
Why are Russia and China BACKING Venezuela’s Maduro?
Whilst the US and UK have backed Guaido, China and Russia have come forward to offer support to Maduro.
Russia accused the United States of trying to seize power in Venezuela and warned against US military intervention there.
This goes against both Washington and the EU which backed protests against one of Moscow’s closest allies.
The reason for Russia’s support is that, should Maduro be ousted, a geopolitical and economic headache would ensue for Moscow.
Alongside China, Russia has become a lender of last resort for Caracas, loaning it billions of dollars as its economy implodes.
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