Puerto Rico's governor told President-elect Donald Trump on Monday that he is ready to help respond to Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro's “open threats” to invade U.S. territory.
Republican Gov. Jennifer González Colon said in a letter to the president-elect that she fully expects the Trump administration to “respond swiftly” to Maduro's weekend sword fight, calling it “murderous.” He warned that the dictator was trying to “extend his influence”. In the area.
“Yesterday, just days after holding an illegal swearing-in ceremony in an attempt to cling to power in Venezuela, socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro publicly proposed an invasion of Puerto Rico,” González Colón newspaper wrote. Letter to the next president.
“This is an open threat to the United States, national security, and regional stability,” the governor added. “I hope your next administration will respond quickly and make clear to the Maduro regime that under your leadership, the United States will protect American lives and sovereignty and will not bow to the threats of a despicable, murderous dictator.” I believe that.”
President Maduro, 62, issued an ominous warning Saturday during a speech at the International Anti-Fascist Festival in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.
“Just as the north has a goal of colonization, we also have a goal of liberation,” President Maduro said at the event.
“And our policy was written by Simón Bolívar,” he added, referring to the 19th century South American revolutionary. “Puerto Rico's freedom is at stake, and we will achieve it with the Brazilian military.”
Maduro's threats came a day after he was sworn in for a new term as Venezuela's president, a position he has held since 2013.
The United States and several other Western countries have condemned last year's elections in Venezuela as “illegitimate,” claiming that President Maduro's repressive socialist regime stole the votes.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) Tuesday condemned President Maduro's threats He called the invasion of Puerto Rico “unreasonable and pathetic” and praised the leadership of Gonzalez Colon, who condemned the words of the powerful.
“With Biden in the White House, opponents within Maduro's drug dictatorship are emboldened by Biden's weak appeasement policies,” Díaz-Balart argued.
“But in less than a week, we will begin a new foreign policy that puts freedom and America's national security interests first,” he said, referring to the incoming Trump administration. “Friends are treated as friends and adversaries are treated as adversaries.”
“Mr Maduro’s days are numbered. Unless the Venezuelan dictator wants to be like other dictators. [Benito] with mussolini [Muammar] Gaddafi, he should leave Venezuela without delay,” Díaz-Balart insisted, referring to the deposed leaders of fascist Italy and Libya who were overthrown and summarily executed.
Gonzalez Colon told President Trump that Puerto Ricans have been “proud American citizens” since 1917 and have “repeatedly rejected” efforts to make Puerto Rico an independent state, which is what Maduro wants. she suggested.
“President Maduro's call for invasion is a clear attempt to remove the U.S. presence and expand its influence in the region,” she wrote.
“As Governor of Puerto Rico, I stand ready to work with you and your administration to counter this and other threats posed by the illegitimate Maduro dictatorship and to support the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom.” added. “I also look forward to engaging in fruitful discussions on how to best strengthen Puerto Rico's national security role and take a strong stance against the growing presence of hostile forces in the region. ”
Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment.
