Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 4: Venezuela’s armed forces on Sunday formally recognised Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country’s acting president following the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and his extraction to the United States to face trial.
Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the military’s support for Rodriguez while reading out a statement on state television, endorsing a Supreme Court ruling that appointed her as acting president for a 90-day period. The development comes amid political uncertainty after the leftist leader’s removal in a US-led operation.
Padrino urged citizens to return to normal life, calling on Venezuelans to resume economic, work and educational activities just two days after US airstrikes and special forces operations rocked the capital, Caracas.
Condemning the operation, the defence minister termed Maduro’s capture a “cowardly kidnapping” and alleged that some of the former president’s bodyguards, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed “in cold blood” during the operation. Venezuelan authorities have not yet released an official count of casualties linked to the US action.
On Sunday, Caracas presented a subdued picture, with largely deserted streets, shuttered businesses and limited activity at markets and pharmacies.
“The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” Padrino said, stressing the need for stability during the transition period.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had indicated that Washington could work with Rodriguez during the interim phase.