US’ attack on Venezuela’s democracy is an example of how US constantly undermines sovereignty of other nations.
This time, US has invaded Venezuelan embassy.
A blunder and crime of epic proportions.
Who controlled the Venezuelan embassy?
The US government has taken possession of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington and other diplomatic sites in New York. People familiar with the situation said the State Department assumed control of the buildings on February 6.
U.S. has violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which states that embassies are considered the territory of their respective countries and should not be interfered with.
In the last four years, the US government has acknowledged Juan Guaidó as the rightful leader of Venezuela and has fully acknowledged the interim government that he led. The move was an attack on Venezuela’s democracy.
Guaidó had also appointed an ambassador who represented Venezuela in US. The opposition in Venezuela is fragmented with no popular support. Yet, going against the public opinion, Washington continues to support it. Washington is highly critical of Nicholas Maduro and doesn’t recognise him as the legitimate President. Furthermore, the U.S. is accused of interfering with the Venezuelan elections and attempting to overthrow Maduro’s government.
The US-backed Guaidó administration, which ran parallel to the government of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, was also given power over foreign holdings, including oversight of the parent company of the American oil refiner Citgo Petroleum Corporation.
Removal of US Stooges
However, the US was dealt heavy blow in December. Opposition lawmakers voted to terminate the interim government, resulting in Guaidó’s removal. Consequently, Carlos Vecchio, Guaidó’s ambassador to the United States, immediately resigned his post. The opposition legislators appointed Fernando Blasi, who had been Vecchio’s business attaché, to serve as the new representative.
The envoy, who was not chosen by an executive branch, was refused a prolongation of his diplomatic rights by the U.S.
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Basically, he was not the one which US’ likes. And, he won’t be blabbering what the US’ wants.
This week, at least twelve people have been functioning outside the Venezuelan embassy and diplomatic dwellings last week. Then, they were disallowed access to the structures. In January, they were told they had 30 days to work out their immigration status, the individuals said.
The Joe Biden administration said that it has taken steps to respect and protect the assets of diplomatic missions that have been suspended in accordance with the Vienna Convention and the Foreign Missions Act.
Only US’ officials can justify the invasion of Venezuelan embassy through laws and conventions despite violating them.
Conundrum
This is a funny conundrum for US. It doesn’t recognise Maduro and doesn’t let him appoint the ambassador. However, now there isn’t any one in the opposition leader either whom it can bank on. Alas! no one to echo White House’s words.
Remember, the 2015 National Assembly, which was legitimately elected, is still recognised by the United States as the last democratic institution in Venezuela. But, if it actually recognized the opposition, it’d at least let them appoint an ambassador.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the U.S. has imposed economic sanctions on Venezuela, which have had devastating effects on the country’s economy. These sanctions have been criticized by many countries, including China and Russia, who have accused the U.S. of “economic warfare.”
It’s time US recognizes Maduro’s government. And, gives the embassy back to his government. The incident further shows where US’ stands in Venezuela right now. It has been wiped out of the Latin American country and has no one to base its claims now.
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