Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, on Wednesday, 31 January, accused US President Donald Trump of ordering his assassination. He accused Trump of ordering Venzuelan neighbour Colombia’s government and mafia to kill him.
Almost a week into a domestic standoff with his US-backed Opposition, Maduro still insists he is open to the possibility of talks with the US and even with his own domestic enemies.
"I am ready to sit at the negotiation table with the Opposition for us to talk for the benefit of Venezuela," Maduro said.
He said Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia, Russia, the Vatican and several European countries wished for talks between him and the Opposition.
The accusations come on the heels of the United States recognising self-declared "interim president" Juan Guaidó as acting president.
The 56-year-old socialist leader stated that his armed forces remained loyal and President Vladimir Putin was firmly behind him. His main global backer, Russia, has lent Caracas, Venezuela, an estimated $17 billion since 2006 and continues to support Maduro.
In an interview with Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti, Maduro said, "If something happens to me once, Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything what happens to me."
His comments came as the fight to control Venezuela intensified, with the government prepping for an investigation into Guaido. Street protests were also planned.
Maduro was repeating a US-backed assassination accusation of made by Hugo Chavez as well, and critics often write these allegations off as a smokescreen. However, there was speculation of military plans, when on Monday US nation security adviser John Bolton appeared with a pad showing the words "5,000 troops to Colombia."
Maduro Claims Legitimacy
Washington and Bogota, despite military opposition to Maduro who they consider a dictator, have both repeatedly denied the assassination accusations.
Maduro claims he survived an assassination attempt in August last year and said he was well protected. He declined to comment on reports that Russia sent private military aid to guard him.
Additionally, Maduro dismissed calls for a snap presidential vote. He insists that despite widespread allegations of fraud and the barring of two opposition rivals, his re-election last year was fair.
"I won legitimately. I won 68 percent of the vote," he told RIA, " .. If the imperialists want a new election, let them wait until 2025."
(With inputs from Reuters)
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