(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: Venezuela Crisis

Topic: Venezuela Crisis

Guest:

Prof. Swaran Singh, (School of International Studies, JNU)
Meera Shankar, (Former Ambassador)
A.K. Bhattacharya, (Editorial Director, Business Standard)

Topic Description:

A woman was shot dead and dozens injured in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, in clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government forces. Tear gas and water cannon were fired by the military amid rival demonstrations. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for a series of strikes to force President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power. He urged public employees to act on Thursday, saying the stoppages would lead to a general strike. Guaidó in January declared himself Venezuela's interim leader, and he has been recognised by more than 50 countries including the US, UK and most Latin America nations. But Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela's military - has refused to cede power. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that U.S. military action "is possible" in Venezuela to bolster Guaido's bid to oust President Maduro. “The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent – military action is possible. If that’s what’s required, that’s what the United States will do,” Pompeo told a news channel in the US. On this edition of the big picture we will analyse the political crisis in Venezuela.