US To Hold Opponents Of 'Restoration Of Democracy' In Venezuela Accountable - Pompeo

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th February, 2019) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned that the United States will hold everyone who tries to hamper efforts to "restore" democracy in Venezuela accountable, commenting on the US-backed Venezuelan opposition's failed attempt to ensure the delivery of unauthorized humanitarian aid to the country from Colombia and Brazil.

"Now is the time to act in support of democracy, and respond to the needs of the desperate Venezuelan people. The United States will take action against and hold accountable those who oppose the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela," Pompeo said in a press release issued late on Saturday.

The secretary of state also thanked Colombia and Brazil for their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.

Attempts to bring in unauthorized aid into Venezuela led to clashes between Venezuelan police officers, who tried to prevent aid-filled trucks from crossing into the country without permission, and protesters, and prompted Caracas to sever diplomatic and political relations with Bogota.

Russia, which, along with China and several other countries, has endorsed Maduro as the country's legitimate president, has warned that unauthorized deliveries of aid to Venezuela would be a provocation and could lead to clashes between supporters and opponents of the move, which could be used as a pretext for military action against Caracas.