OAS chief threatens military force against Venezuela

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/09/15/oas-chief-threatens-military-force-against-venezuela/1318318002/


Manuel Rueda reports the head of the Organization of America States (OSA), an organization created to promote positive relations with the independent states of the western hemisphere, General Luis Almagro, has backed President Donald Trump's threat of military action in Venezuela. The threat aims to "restore democracy and ease the countries humanitarian crisis. " Since 2010 Venezuela has faced a socioeconomic and political crisis first beginning under the former leader Hugo Chavez. Almagro mentioned the numerous violations of human rights perpetrated by the current regime governed by Nicolas Maduro, who previously served under Hugo Chavez as Minister of Foreign Affairs. In addition, Almagro stated the possibility of military intervention with the intention of overthrowing Maduro has not been ruled out.
President Donald Trump has previously mentioned the possibility of a U.S. invasion, although those living in the South American nation fear an invasion will revive conditions experienced during the Cold War. Maduro has been using that fear in order to gain support and rally Venezuelans behind him although their condition remains dire. Often the regime will withhold food and medicine to impose their political will forcibly upon the nation, as well as disallowing the entry of humanitarian aide . Such actions have spurred a massive emigration of the citizens in the recent years, with as many as 2.3 Venezuelans leaving. Almagro hopes to create a group with the surrounding countries that will help both the emigrants as well as their home country, while leaving the possibility of intervention open.
--Jennie Fry