Stephen Lendman

Economic war along with street violence since April reflect a diabolical CIA plot to end Bolivarian democracy - complicit with Venezuelan fascists, aiming to forcefully topple the government.

During a Q&A session at the Aspen Security Forum last week, CIA director Mike Pompeo called for regime change in Venezuela, saying “we are very hopeful that there can be a transition.” Up to its old tricks, Langley is heavily involved in pursuing it.

President Nicolas Maduro denounced Pompeo’s comments, saying the agency and US government are “work(ing) in direct collaboration with the Mexican government and the Colombian government to overthrow the constitutional government in Venezuela…”

The State Department threatened Maduro, saying “(w)e are prepared to take strong and swift economic actions if the Government of Venezuela election moves forward on 30 July with a Constituent Assembly” - its constitutional right, as explained in a same day article.

A Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela statement denounced Washington’s campaign to undermine its government, citing the following:

CIA and other intelligence operations authorized at the highest level in Washington to end democratic governance - colluding with Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuelan fascists to achieve this objective.

Financial support to opposition elements, backing and encouraging street violence and instability.

Hostile executive orders calling Venezuela a threat to US national security, along with sanctioning its officials.

Vilifying its leadership, imposing illegal coercive measures against its high-ranking officials.

Over “105 hostile and interventionist activities” carried out by dark forces in Washington and the Organization of American States against all Venezuelans.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela demands the immediate apology it is due from the US administration, and warns the international community of the very real threat that hangs over our country, considering the terrible history of this intelligence agency in the harming of the sovereignty of independent countries, and in submitting entire peoples to suffering, and to the territorial disintegration of those countries not aligned with its imperial interests,” its statement said.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela informs that it will condemn, through the corresponding diplomatic channels, the governments of the USA, Colombia and Mexico before the organizations of CELAC, UNASUR, the Association of Caribbean States and the Non-Aligned Movement, as is our right as a free and independent country.”

“This Sunday, 30 July, the Venezuelan people will go to the polls in a peaceful manner in order to express their sovereign will through a direct, secret and universal vote, in exercise of their full democratic rights and direct sovereignty, for the election of the National Constituent Assembly.”

It’s unknown if Washington intends disrupting the process. Comments from administration officials indicate harsh US measures coming if voting proceeds as planned on Sunday.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

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