Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expressed his solidarity with his ally and Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, over the confiscation of the Venezuelan president’s official plane by the United States authorities based on the sanctions applied by Washington to Caracas.
During an event on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Army, Ortega said that “in our Latin America we are facing an attack by the North American empire, wanting to overthrow governments simply because they do not submit to them.”
“And we see how they have acted and continue to act against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” he added.
The US Justice Department said the aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic – with the assistance of the country’s authorities – and transferred to Florida for having been “illegally purchased” for $13 million “through a shell company and smuggled out of the US for use by Nicolás Maduro.”
In August 2019, U.S. President Joe Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of the Government of Venezuela.
Speech
In his speech, Ortega told Maduro: “We are with the Bolivarian people, we are against the systematic aggressions that have been committed against the Venezuelan people.”
“The Venezuelan people want peace and they want to turn it into hell simply to steal Venezuela’s oil,” continued the Sandinista leader, for whom “that has been the practice of the imperialists.”
The Venezuelan government considered that “this is not an isolated action” but rather “part of an escalation of actions against the government” following the elections of July 28, whose official result gave victory to Maduro, which has not been recognized by many countries, since the majority opposition has denounced that there was fraud and claims victory.
Legal action
In addition to calling the seizure of the plane “piracy,” the Caracas statement said it “reserves the right to take any legal action to repair this damage to the nation, as well as all other damages caused by the criminal policy” of Washington.
The governments of Managua and Caracas have been close political and economic allies since the so-called Bolivarian revolution came to power in 1999, led by Hugo Chávez.
Nicaragua was one of the first countries to recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28 presidential elections, declared by the National Electoral Council (CNE) despite protests against it.
Managua / EFE
#Ortega #expresses #solidarity #Maduro #confiscates #Venezuelan #plane
2024-09-06 06:13:01
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela’s Maduro Amid US Plane Seizure
In a show of solidarity, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has expressed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following the seizure of Maduro’s official plane by the United States authorities. The plane was confiscated in the Dominican Republic, allegedly for violating US sanctions imposed on Venezuela. Ortega’s statement has sparked concerns about the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, amidst allegations of fraud in the recent Venezuelan elections.
The Background
The US Justice Department announced that the aircraft, valued at $13 million, was seized in the Dominican Republic with the assistance of local authorities. The plane was allegedly purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the US for Maduro’s use. This move is seen as part of the US effort to increase pressure on the Venezuelan government, following President Joe Biden’s executive order in August 2019. The order prohibits US citizens from engaging in transactions with individuals or entities associated with the Venezuelan government.
Ortega’s Speech
During an event marking the 45th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Army, Ortega condemned the US actions, stating that “in our Latin America, we are facing an attack by the North American empire, wanting to overthrow governments simply because they do not submit to them.” He expressed his outrage over the confiscation of Maduro’s plane, calling it an “act of piracy.” Ortega emphasized that Nicaragua stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and its government, and vowed to resist “systematic aggressions” against Venezuela.
Venezuela’s Response
The Venezuelan government has denounced the seizure of the plane, calling it “part of an escalation of actions against the government” following the July 28 elections. The government has reserved the right to take legal action against the US, accusing it of “piracy” and ”acts of aggression.” Venezuela’s opposition parties have disputed the official election results, alleging fraud and claiming victory.
Regional Implications
The conflict between the US and Venezuela has significant regional implications. The seizure of the plane has sparked concerns among Latin American countries, many of which have expressed support for Venezuela’s sovereignty. The escalating tensions may also lead to a deterioration in relations between the US and other countries in the region, particularly those with socialist or left-wing governments.
International Repercussions
The international community is watching the situation unfold with bated breath. The US actions have been criticized by many as an overreach of its authority, with some arguing that it is an attempt to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty. The incident may also have implications for global trade and diplomacy, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions between the US and other major economies.
Conclusion
The seizure of Maduro’s plane and Ortega’s expression of solidarity with Venezuela have raised the stakes in the ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is bracing for the fallout. With the Venezuelan opposition parties refusing to recognize the election results and the US determined to isolate the Maduro government, the situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming weeks and months.
Keyword Research:
Nicaragua
Venezuela
Daniel Ortega
Nicolás Maduro
US sanctions
Plane seizure
Latin America
Imperialism
Sovereignty
International relations
* Trade tensions
Meta Description:
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expresses solidarity with Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro after the US seizes his official plane, sparking tensions in the region.
Title Tags:
Nicaraguan President Backs Maduro Amid US Plane Seizure
Daniel Ortega Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro
US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate Over Plane Seizure
Header Tags:
Nicaraguan President Backs Maduro Amid US Plane Seizure
Table of Contents
