Reference News Network, November 19 report. According to the Latin American News Agency (EFE) on November 18, Venezuelan President Maduro stated in an interview published in the Mexican daily "La Jornada" on the 18th that Venezuela is willing to engage in dialogue to maintain peace in the face of U.S. threats, but is also prepared to deal with any unexpected situations.
In a conversation with renowned scholar Ignacio Ramonet, Maduro said he has urged all domestic people's forces, social forces, political forces, the army and police to avoid falling into the trap of provocation under any circumstances.
He pointed out: "If they come to South America to kill our people, we will call on the public to act with patriotic enthusiasm. This is both our legitimate right and our inalienable sovereign right."
Maduro pointed out that if "the U.S. takes action to try to undermine Venezuela's stability, the order for the national mobilization of the armed forces will take effect immediately from that moment on."
He emphasized that Venezuela is determined to defend freedom, and no foreign power should impose its will on Venezuela.
He also mentioned the new rhetoric used by the U.S. government, the so-called "drug terrorism," which he called "a lie similar to previous ones."
In his view, the previous global hegemony of the United States is increasingly being questioned by emerging powers such as the BRICS countries.
"In this new context," he explained, "the decisions of the White House and the Pentagon are to first strengthen the security zones around U.S. territory, namely Latin America and the Caribbean, their former 'backyard.'"
Maduro pointed out: "This move aims to reconsolidate U.S. control over Latin America. Since the Monroe Doctrine (1823) was proposed 150 years ago, Washington has always regarded the region as its 'exclusive sphere of influence,' believing that countries within it, including Venezuela, only have 'limited sovereignty.'"
He believes that the new U.S. administration's pressure and threats toward Venezuela aim to send a political signal of power and dominance to all countries in the continent.
"They are declaring: 'We're back!' 'The empire is back, and we will once again occupy the central position of dominance on this continent!'" Maduro emphasized. "But times have changed, and the geopolitical landscape is no longer what it used to be."
He asserted that the era of gunboat diplomacy and coups and military interventions has long passed.
"The international new order is becoming increasingly diversified and multi-centered. The number of power centers is increasing, and there has also emerged an unprecedented 'Global South.' Venezuela is a member of the Global South and has many strong allies," he explained.
Maduro also condemned Washington's attempt to re-establish exclusive political and military control over the Americas to regain control over major strategic resources in Latin America, including oil, natural gas, copper, lithium, rare earths, and water resources, but this plot will never succeed. (Translated by Han Chao)
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