MIAMI – Edmundo González, a retired diplomat and political newcomer acknowledged by a number of nations, together with the United States, because the winner of Venezuela’s most up-to-date presidential election, launched a video assertion Friday condemning Nicolás Maduro’s swearing-in as president.
In the video posted on social media, González accused Maduro of finishing up “a coup d’état” by consolidating energy.
González declared himself able to return to Venezuela “on the proper second” and referred to as on Venezuela’s navy to “reject unlawful orders issued by Maduro’s regime.”
“I proceed working to create the circumstances for my return to Venezuela and to imagine the presidency of the republic,” González mentioned. “I signify the need of practically eight million Venezuelans and have an obligation to defend that mandate.”
González strongly condemned Maduro’s choice to order the closure of the nation’s airspace, which he claimed was geared toward stopping his return.
“They sought to do to me within the air what they did yesterday to our chief,” González mentioned, referring to the detainment of opposition chief Maria Corina Machado throughout a rally on Thursday. “This displays their cowardice and lack of scruples.”
González urged navy leaders to disobey what he described as illegal orders and guarantee safety for his return. He additionally emphasised the navy’s loyalty to the Venezuelan folks.
“The troopers of our nationwide armed forces are a part of the identical folks they serve and should obey by way of me, as I’m the elected president of the Republic of Venezuela,” he mentioned.
González additionally appealed to Venezuelans to stay steadfast of their struggle for democracy.
“I promise we is not going to fail. Soon, very quickly, it doesn’t matter what they do, we’ll enter Venezuela and finish this tragedy,” he vowed.
He concluded with a message of unity, “Our liberator taught us the spirit of sacrifice for freedom. Freedom at all times defeats tyranny. Glory to the Brave People!”
Earlier on Friday, the U.S. increased its reward for the seize of Maduro to $25 million.
