Instability In Venezuela To Affect Defense Cooperation With Russia - Senior Lawmaker

Unstable situation in Venezuela will negatively influence the country's defense cooperation with Russia, Chairman of the Russian lower house Committee on Defense Vladimir Shamanov said Thursday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th January, 2019) Unstable situation in Venezuela will negatively influence the country's defense cooperation with Russia, Chairman of the Russian lower house Committee on Defense Vladimir Shamanov said Thursday.

Venezuela has been witnessing anti-government protests for the past two days. On Tuesday, the opposition-run Venezuelan National Assembly adopted a statement declaring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro an usurper.

On Wednesday, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the country's interim president. At least 16 people were killed and over 200 arrested in the unrest.

"Of course, it will affect [defense cooperation]. The instability of our long-time ally limits its possibilities, because the destabilizing effect will now be felt in every sector, primarily in the economy. Accordingly, financial opportunities will be reduced," the official told reporters.