DPJC Position Statement
On the Escalating Situation in Venezuela
(5/1, Dallas, TX) “The Dallas Peace and Justice Center notes with great concern and alarm the volatile situation in Venezuela and calls for de-escalation of tensions through peaceful negotiations. We unequivocally reject any attempts by the United States to forcibly remove the government of Nicolas Maduro from office.We denounce the bellicose rhetoric and threats from National Security Adviser John Bolton of military intervention, just as we decry violence against unarmed protestors by the Maduro government.
We assert that bloodshed must be completely averted. While we agree that President Nicolas Maduro is an authoritarian leader who has presided over unfair elections, failed economic policies, extrajudicial killings by police, food shortages and cronyism with military leaders,U.S. intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs will only make a bad situation worse. A long history of U.S. military interventions has not only destabilized many Latin American countries but has also created a profound mistrust towards the United States. This has strengthened president Maduro's popularity and complicated the present situation. A proper relationship between the United States and its neighbor to the south must start with mutual respect and focused on helping Venezuela’s economy grow and prosper instead of draconian sanctions that hurt average citizens.
We urge National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Venezuela envoy Elliot Abrams—all of whom have backed authoritarian leaders, death squads, and illegal wars throughout their careers in government---not to push for regime change or military intervention but instead back regional dialogue initiatives such as the one proposed by Mexico and the Vatican.
It is entirely the prerogative of the noble people of Venezuela to decide the future of their revolution, not of any foreign power. All that can come from outside military intervention is more chaos and crisis, and God forbid, the misery and suffering of war."
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