Beset by corruption, runaway inflation, starvation and mass migration, Venezuela is a country in chaos that demands an international response. Canada must weigh in but not by supporting a military coup but rather by taking a larger view based on peaceful internationalism.
The United Nations rapporteur Alfred de Zayas, a former secretary of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), blames U.S. sanctions for Venezuela’s downward spiral. Zayas explains that the U.S. sanctions are illegal and could amount to “crimes against humanity” under international law since they are not endorsed by the UN Security Council. Along with the European Union, the UN rapporteur singles out Canada as a partner in a practice he calls “economic warfare.” In March of 2015 President Obama issued an executive order declaring the country a threat to U.S. national security and under Trump the belligerent discourse has only heightened as he threatened a military invasion and discussed a military coup.
“Rather than pick sides in recognizing Juan Guaido over Russian-backed Nicolas Maduro in a positioning that is reminiscent of the primitive thinking of the Cold War,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, “Canada should root its foreign policy in the evidence the UN provides. What’s needed here is an honest broker. Pope Francis could assist. The Vatican is a full party at the United Nations, and in light of the Pope’s South American roots and the important part Catholicism plays in Venezuela’s heritage, the Office of the Holy See could be the right institution to calm the waters and take the steps toward a fair election. Canada should not be supporting a military coup. It should be a voice for peace and dialogue.”
Natural Resources Canada has evolved into the Department of Oil and Gas
January 28th, 2019
Report from COP24 in Poland
December 12th, 2018
Elizabeth explains the Federal Court of Appeal ruling on Kinder Morgan
September 4th, 2018
“The difference between a plan and a wish list” (Hill Times)
June 14th, 2018
Opinion: I was arrested for protesting against Canada’s pipeline – and the battle is far from over
May 31st, 2018
Elizabeth May: An Oilsands Bargain that Actually Makes Sense
April 25th, 2018
Statement on World Day of Social Justice
February 22nd, 2019
Elizabeth May to join Indigenous, environmental, political leaders at press conference on National Energy Board announcement
February 22nd, 2019
It’s a Green Wave! Join Elizabeth May for the exciting campaign launch for Racelle Kooy, in Victoria, B.C.
February 22nd, 2019
Elizabeth May celebrates Chinese New Year
February 8th, 2019
Elizabeth May’s Statement on Black History Month
February 8th, 2019
Elizabeth May Statement on Black History Month
February 4th, 2019
Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act (also known as the Free Willy Bill)
December 14th, 2018
Bill S-203: The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act
November 29th, 2018
External review of the critical habitat section of the draft amended recovery strategy for Resident Killer Whales
November 8th, 2018
Elizabeth May’s 2018 Remembrance Day Message
November 6th, 2018
House of Commons Emergency Debate on Climate Change
October 16th, 2018
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