Different demands, same target in Venezuela

By Lokman Ilhan

CARACAS, Venezuela

Thousands of people in Venezuela have taken to the streets calling for economic and political stability amid a governmental crisis in the South American nation.

Interviews with citizens reveal broadly two popular sentiments; the first rejecting foreign intervention in the country and the second calling for free and fair elections.

Angel Viyen, a staunch supporter of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela, slammed threats of military intervention from the U.S. and other Latin American nations.

“We have no fear of military intervention. Because Venezuela is primarily under God's protection,” she said, adding that she hoped the brewing crisis is resolved through dialogue.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.

Tensions climbed on Jan. 23 when Guaido declared himself interim president, a move which has been recognized by the U.S. and many European and Latin American countries.

Maduro has so far refused calls to step down accusing the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government.

Blaming US

Supporters of Maduro hold the U.S. responsible for crisis in the country.

Henry Medorfe, a ruling party supporter, said: “Venezuela is a country where imperialism is always threatened.”

“If there is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, it is due to U.S. sanctions,” said Roselena Gil, another supporter, referring to the fresh sanctions on the country's oil industry.

Speaking about Guaido’s declaration of himself as interim president, Yuleyma Gagus said: “There is no head of state for us other than President Maduro.”

“The U.S. always has an eye on the richness of our country. We are aware of an economic war imposed by the imperialist powers,” Gagus added.

The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning last week the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart.

Russia, China, Turkey and Iran have put their weight behind Maduro.

Fresh elections

Jorge Vaso, a medicine student at the Central University of Venezuela, called for "free, fair and democratic elections".

He claimed hospitals across the country were in a state of crisis with a shortage of medical equipment, funds and even drinking water.

Arguing that the financial crisis and crumbling hospitals have nothing to do with sanctions, Vaso said: "Civil war is a likely scenario. It's knocking at the front door but no one knows when it will happen."

Roeni Ferrara, a medical student, said: "The death of so many patients and the malnourishment of children in hospitals has to stop.

“We support peaceful protests and humanitarian aid to enter the country,” Ferrera added.

Emphasizing that they did not want a civil war in Venezuela, Ferrera expressed their desire to protect human rights in the country.

Alejandro Gonzales, one of the protesters at a protest to support Guaido, told Anadolu Agency: "The current government does not work for the Venezuelan people, but works for themselves and they use our assets to fill their pockets.”

Another protester Gloria Batatina complained of poverty in Venezuela.

“We want free elections in which all parties participate with the presence of international observers,” she told Anadolu Agency.

The government and the opposition in Venezuela ended their mass rallies on Saturday pledging to reassemble in larger numbers.