Venezuela's Maduro Says Won't Bow to 'Blackmail' After US Call for New Polls
Voice of America
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro said his government would not give in to "blackmail or threats" after the United States urged him to make serious efforts toward holding elections if he wants sanctions relief.
Washington's call comes ahead of a Friday meeting in Mexico between representatives of both the leftist government and opposition leader Juan Guaido -- considered interim president by the United States -- before talks set for August 30 under mediation from Norway. Venezuela is suffering through a crippling economic crisis, exacerbated by a raft of fresh sanctions imposed by Washington following a contested election in 2018. In a state television broadcast, Maduro said his country would go to the talks "autonomously and independently and does not submit to blackmail or threats from the United States government."More Related News
A girl poses for a photo with Christmas decorations in Valencia, Venezuela, Oct. 1, 2024. President Nicolas Maduro declared the Christmas season would start earlier this year in the South American country. People walk past Christmas decorations in Caracas, Venezuela, Oct. 1, 2024. The decor went up months early due to a decree by President Nicolas Maduro. Directed by President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelans set up Christmas decorations early this year. This decor was photographed in Caracas on Oct. 1, 2024.