Protest in Geneva against US sanctions on Venezuela

By Bayram Altug

GENEVA (AA) - Protests were held on Saturday against U.S. sanctions on Venezuela as well as Washington’s support for the country’s self-declared interim president Juan Guaido.

Roughly 100 demonstrators gathered in front of the UN building in Geneva around the 39-foot “Broken Chair” monument symbolizing resistance against violence toward unarmed civilians.

Venezuela’s envoy to the UN Jorge Valero denounced U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, thanking countries that had expressed support for President Nicolas Maduro.

Members of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland as well as non-governmental organizations from various Latin American countries participated in the protest.

National Assembly president Guaido called fresh protests on Saturday to demand Maduro to cede power after a week of sporadic mass protests. The last round of demonstrations took place Wednesday.

The U.S., Canada and most Latin American countries have recognized Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, but Maduro has so far refused calls to step down.

He has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government but said he is open to dialogue with the opposition, but not new national elections.

Russia and China both opposed the U.S. call to support Guaido, and condemned any international interference in the affairs of Venezuela. Turkey and Iran have also put their weight behind Maduro.

The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning on Monday the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart.