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Nicolás Maduro Calls for Puerto Rico Invasion to 'Liberate' Island From US
Nicolás Maduro calls for Puerto Rico invasion to "liberate" island from US
"The freedom of Puerto Rico is pending, and we will achieve it with Brazilian troops," the Venezuelan president said.
www.newsweek.com
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for a campaign for the "liberation" of Puerto Rico from the United States.
Why It Matters
Maduro, who took power in 2013 following Hugo Chávez's death from cancer, was sworn in for a third six-year term this past Friday, despite rebukes from the United States and other governments that say he stole last year's election and widespread protests ahead of the ceremony.The U.S. and other governments recognized Maduro's opponent, Edmundo González, as the victor of last July's election.
On Friday, the U.S. announced a $25 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction, highlighting a renewed effort to destabilize Maduro's presidency and bolster the opposition's bid to restore democracy.
Although the chances of Puerto Rico being invaded appear unlikely, the comments serve as a reminder of the Venezuelan challenges that await President-elect Donald Trump when he returns to the White House on January 20.
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Puerto Rico has been under U.S. control since the 1898 Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, but they cannot vote in general elections and have no voting representation in Congress because of the island's political status.
A majority of voters, 57 percent, opted for Puerto Rico to become a U.S. state in a nonbinding referendum in November, while just 12 percent voted for independence. The vote was the first referendum that did not provide an option for maintaining the island's current status as a U.S. territory. But Puerto Rico's status can change only with approval from Congress.
~Snip~
What People Are Saying
Amílcar Antonio Barreto, a professor of cultures, societies and global studies at Northeastern University whose work has focused on Puerto Rico and Latinos in the U.S., told Newsweek: "I don't think anyone is going to take this seriously—in Puerto Rico, the U.S. or Brazil."Christina Ponsa-Kraus, a professor of legal history at Columbia Law School, told Newsweek: "The Puerto Rican people have never—not once—voted for independence. For more than a century, they have been united in their desire to remain part of the United States one way or another, whether through statehood or some other form of association.
~Snip~
What's Next
Maduro began his third term more isolated on the world stage than ever, with the U.S. announcing bounties for him and several high-ranking officials.González said he plans to return to Venezuela to take up the mantle of president, although it is not clear if and when he will do so. The Venezuelan government has said González will be arrested if he returns.
The U.S. and its allies have indicated they are willing to increase sanctions on Venezuela if there is further evidence of repression.
Commentary:
Maduro "The Mouse That Roared".
Distraction by Maduro. “My nation is in shambles, so I'll attack the U.S. quickly surrender and ask for aid...
Trump doesn’t have to respond to this supposed threat from a weakling, Puerto Rico will in no uncertain terms.
Unfortunately the Quisling Media won’t report what Puerto Rico says.
Maduro is a joke. What’s he going to liberate, a Puerto Rican rum factory? Ninety percent of the Puerto Rican population has already “liberated” itself by relocating to the State of Florida, in case no one’s been watching. The invasion began in 2017 with the hurricane they couldn’t get out from under, and hasn’t stopped yet. Orlando is overloaded with them. And Tampa is right behind it.
I visited Venezuela back in the 80's prior to Chavez. It was great and there was a high standard of living in South America. As a tourist it was great vacation. Yes, It was corrupt but no less corrupt than any other South or Central American country. The last free election in Venezuela elected Chavez, Maduro has lost all elections after the one election of Chavez and remained as a dictator and tyrant. Today Venezuela is destitute, a failing nation ruled by a dictator. This is very sad.
