Why Does Venezuela Reject the US 'Terrorist' Label for the 'Nonexistent' Cartel?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Venezuela's government labels US designation as false.
- Accusations against Maduro are strongly denied.
- The designation may escalate US-Venezuela tensions.
- Implications for international law and sovereignty are significant.
- Drug trafficking issues continue to be a focal point.
Caracas, Nov 25 (NationPress) The Venezuelan government has firmly dismissed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's classification of the supposed Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group, labeling it as a fabrication. In a statement disseminated on social media by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, the administration condemned this action as a malicious falsehood, accusing the United States of leveraging it as a justification for an unlawful and illegitimate intervention against Venezuela.
The statement further urged the US to amend its aggressive policies, asserting that the Venezuelan populace will know how to protect peace and the nation's highest interests.
On November 16, Rubio announced the US Department of State's intention to label the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective from November 24.
This designation implies that Maduro will also be considered a terrorist, as the US claims he leads the Cartel de los Soles, an assertion that Maduro vehemently refutes.
This action by the Trump administration is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Maduro, amidst discussions on potential military actions within the country.
While the US Treasury Department has previously sanctioned the Cartel de los Soles, the new designation as an FTO represents an escalation that unlocks enhanced powers.
The term Cartel de los Soles is used by the US to refer to an alleged criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining activities.