Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim leader has told RT that the ‘corrupt regime’ there is solely to blame for its dire humanitarian situation, and promised that democracy will be embraced, with free elections, once Maduro is gone.
“It is not true that there is an economic blockade. There are sanctions against corrupt officials and thieves,” Guaido told RT Spanish in an exclusive interview, dismissing any notion that US sanctions and years of economic and political pressure on Caracas might have contributed to the deteriorating socio-economic situation in Venezuela.
Maduro and his “corrupt regime” has been backed into a corner and will soon crumble, with or without outside help, because 90 percent of the population are fed up and want change – and the army will soon too side with Venezuelan people, Guaido claimed.
Somewhat dodging the question about when the ‘free and fair’ elections – so craved by some foreign states and others who believe Nicholas Maduro ‘usurped’ power amid the oppositions’ boycott of last year’s polls – might take place, Guaido refused to name any specific dates.
“We are going to call truly free elections in Venezuela once the usurpation ceases, and we can build the mechanisms to have a truly free election,” Guaido has repeatedly vowed, stating that he believes Maduro has no real choice but to eventually surrender.
Previously, Guaido, who proclaimed himself ‘interim president’ of Venezuela in January and got the immediate blessing of the United States and its allies in Europe and across Latin America, did not rule out that he might have to make a “controversial” decision to “authorize” a “humanitarian” intervention. The Trump administration also said all options remain on the table to rid Venezuelans of the “oppressive dictator” Maduro.