Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told RIA in an interview, “Donald Trump gave an order to kill me and has told the government of Colombia and the Colombian mafia to kill me.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Donald Trump of ordering neighbouring Colombia’s government to kill him, but said he was open to the possibility of talks with the U.S. leader and his own domestic opponents.
In an interview with Russia’s RIA agency, President Maduro opened up on the issue saying that an order to arrest his rival Juan Guaido had not yet been given also that he rejected calls for an early election. He promised that Caracas would honour debts to Russia and China.
The biggest challenge for Maduro, the 56-year-old socialist leader in his six-year-rule also said his armed forces remained loyal and President Vladimir Putin was firmly behind him.
On Wednesday, comments by Maduro were published. As the fight for control of Venezuela has escalated, the government has been busy in prepping up for investigation into the issue of self-declared interim President Guaido, and new street protests planned.
Venezuela plunged further into turmoil last week after the United States recognised Guaido, 35, as acting president, while Russia, which has lent Caracas an estimated $17 billion since 2006, continued to back Maduro.
“Donald Trump has without doubt given an order to kill me and has told the government of Colombia and the Colombian mafia to kill me.”
Maduro told RIA
Though the Venezuelan was reprising an old allegation that critics scoff at as a smokescreen, there was speculation of military plans after Trump adviser John Bolton appeared on Monday with a pad showing the words “5,000 troops to Colombia.”
“If something happens to me one day, Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will bear responsibility.”
Maduro on his right-wing foes
“I am legitimate”
Despite their increasingly militant opposition to Maduro, whom they regard as a dictator, both Washington and Bogota have repeatedly denied accusations of plots to kill him.
Maduro, who survived what he called an assassination attempt in August last year, said he was well protected, guaranteeing him a long life. He declined to comment on reports Russia sent private military contractors to help guard him.
He also dismissed calls for a snap presidential vote, saying his re-election last year was fair despite widespread allegations of fraud and the barring of two opposition rivals.
“I won 68 percent of the vote,
I won legitimately… If the imperialists want a new election, let them wait until 2025.”
Maduro told RIA
“I’m ready for talks”
Despite alleging Trump wanted him dead, Maduro said he was ready to meet him “wherever he wants”, but thought the prospect unlikely given what he described as attempts by Trump’s advisers to prevent it.
He said Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia, Russia, the Vatican and several unnamed European countries wanted talks between him and the opposition.
“I am ready to sit at the negotiation table with the opposition for us to talk for the benefit of Venezuela.”
President was spotted quoting
“As far as I know, this measure has not yet been taken. Let’s wait for the internal constitutional and legal processes to see what the results will be. We won’t rush, we’ll wait.”
Maduro said regarding the investigation and possible arrest of his rival, Guaido
Source: Reuters
