Venezuela's Maduro talks to RT about avoiding war

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February 05, 2019 "Information Clearing House" -     At a time when the eyes of the world are closely watching his country, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has given an exclusive interview to RT Spanish, speaking about the threats of war and of foul play in politics.

Several EU nations have been the latest to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's "interim leader," and US President Donald Trump is keeping the military option on the table against the "illegitimate" Maduro, while aiming to choke Venezuela's oil trade with sanctions.

Amidst the turmoil, Maduro firmly believes he has the backing of the people – and says he doesn't care how history will remember him, as long as it's not as a traitor.

Guaidó's recognition a 'political and moral mistake'

The nations that have recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's 'acting president' have made a "diplomatic, political and moral" mistake, Maduro believes.

In the 21st century, international relations cannot be built on ultimatums.

He pointed to the European governments and those of the US-backed Lima Group (which includes Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Canada, among others) as being subservient to Washington's policies in seeking to force a "coup, a comedy, a circus" upon Venezuela.

No lack of elections in Venezuela

When asked if he would be ready to declare early presidential elections to appease those questioning his legitimacy, Maduro staunchly refused.

"There's no deficit of elections in Venezuela, we held elections 25 times in the last 20 years," he said. "We had six elections in the past year-and-a-half."

The only elections pending, Maduro said, are parliamentary ones in 2020, in accordance with the constitutional schedule.