Venezuelan President Calls for 'Liberation' of Puerto Rico from US

(CLO) Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for a campaign to "liberate" Puerto Rico from US control, raising concerns about new diplomatic tensions between Caracas and Washington.

The remarks came shortly after Maduro was formally sworn in for a third term last Friday, despite opposition from the United States and other governments, which accused him of fraud in last year’s election. The United States and its allies recognized Maduro’s rival Edmundo González as the winner of July’s election.

President Nicolas Maduro waves to the people after being sworn in. Photo: Venezuelan Government Office.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Anti-Fascist Festival in Caracas on Saturday, Mr Maduro stressed: "The North has a colonial agenda, and we have a liberation agenda. Our agenda was written by Simón Bolívar. Freedom for Puerto Rico is still open, and we will achieve it with the guidance of the Brazilian army."

Maduro has likened Puerto Rico to South American countries that were colonized by Spain and recalled the legacy of Bolívar, the hero who liberated many South American countries.

The most recent referendum in November showed that 57% of Puerto Rican voters supported becoming a US state, while just 12% chose independence.

In response to the tensions, the White House announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Mr. Maduro, a move seen as an attempt to undermine Maduro’s power and support the Venezuelan opposition.

Maduro's statement not only escalates tensions with the US but also poses a significant challenge to President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20.

Hong Hanh (according to VEN, Newsweek, GI)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-venezuela-keu-goi-giai-phong-puerto-rico-khoi-my-post330313.html