 "Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. File Image- Reuters")
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has proposed a campaign to “liberate” Puerto Rico from the control of the United States, suggesting Brazilian forces lead the effort.
Speaking at the International Antifascist World Festival in Venezuela, Maduro invoked the legacy of Simón Bolívar, saying, “The independence of Puerto Rico is still pending and we will achieve it with the forces of Brazil and the Abreu e Lima Battalion leading the way.”
The remarks came during a festival attended by 2,000 participants from 125 nations, days after Maduro’s controversial inauguration for a third term. His presidency has faced widespread international condemnation, with the US, UK, Canada and the EU imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials.
Last week, the outgoing Biden administration increased its reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro on drug trafficking charges to $25 million, from a previous $15 million.
It also issued a $25 million reward for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and a $15 million reward for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, as well as new sanctions against eight other officials including the head of state oil company PDVSA Hector Obregon.
The US indicted Maduro and others on narcotics and corruption charges, among others, in 2020. Maduro has rejected the accusations. The Maduro government has always rejected all sanctions, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.
Despite international pressure, Maduro, in office since 2013, was declared the winner of the disputed July election by Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court though detailed results were never published.