Military Intervention Is The Last Option, Says Juan Guaidó, Venezuelan Opposition Leader

In an exclusive interview with Folha, the Guaidó admits that the process to push Maduro out could be long

Caracas

Venezuelan opposition leader  Juan Guaidó, 35, denied in an interview with Folha that the attempt to push out Nicolás Maduro last Tuesday (30) was a failure. 

“We have been talking with officials for months. It was even more difficult in the past because of the persecution against us and the internal fears within the army. They are also persecuting people within the army. But I feel like our message is being heard. The mood of the army is also being heard. On Tuesday we wanted to exert pressure and we succeeded.”

Opposition supporters react in front of military vehicles during a rally against the government of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and to commemorate May Day in Caracas Venezuela, May 1, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins ORG XMIT: VCG012 - REUTERS

At the request of Guaidó, Folha will not reveal the location of the interview.

“More military will join, we are talking, unfortunately, it did not happen that day, which has caused frustration, I know, because there was an expectation of a happy outcome. But it was a noble gesture of those soldiers who joined, who went to the streets, and we know that there will be more,” said Guaidó.

Guaidó did not rule out the possibility of military intervention but said this will be the last option. 

“First there must be as much pressure as possible for a free transition. We have always offered alternatives, dialogue, elections, but they have always rejected them.” 

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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