Say NO to war in Venezuela

11 February 2019

Auckland Peace Action is co-organising a New Zealand people’s response to the escalating situation in Venezuela with a Protest for Peace at the US Consulate in Auckland on Tuesday, 12 February from 1pm-3pm.

“We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of US military intervention in Venezuela, and the real possibility of a civil war. US involvement in any shape is going to be bad for the people of Venezuela.”

“Latin Americans know all too well that US involvement is a recipe for a human rights disaster. We have only to learn from history. Since the signing of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, the US has dominated and interfered in Central and South American politics for the benefit of US corporations, with deadly results for ordinary people.”

“Venezuela has the largest proven reserves of oil in the world. This is why the US takes such an active interest in Venezuelan politics. It has no interest in the well-being of the people of Venezuela. Like the people of Iraq who continue to suffer from the 2003 illegal US invasion and occupation, the people of Venezuela will suffer tremendous, almost unthinkable hardship from a full scale US war. By the same token, US covert missions by the CIA and Special Forces to overthrow the Venezuelan government are likely to use tried and tested methods including torture and extrajudicial killings, and supplying weapons to paramilitary groups, all of which will have devastating effects for generations. ”

“US sanctions are hitting the people of Venezuela hard, yet they do little to affect the government. It is difficult now to get basics like food, medical supplies and other goods.”

“We are not advocating for either side of the political conflict in Venezuela. As a peace group we have a responsibility to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the situation. We are opposed to external military intervention as it will inevitably result in mass slaughter.”

“The US has rejected any negotiations with the Maduro government, and there is credible evidence that weapons are already flowing into Venezuela from the US. The US is pushing Venezuela towards war to effect regime change and gain access to Venezuelan oil.”

“The New Zealand government must resist any involvement in the internal politics of Venezuela, and encourage a peaceful negotiated resolution.”

ENDS

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