Guaidó Returns To Venezuela Despite Arrest Threats
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Juan Guaidó, interim President of Venezuela, spoke about his return to his country on Monday after a 10-day tour throughout Latin America.
Guaidó arrived home from Panama despite warnings of his impending arrest upon arrival.
The mandatary announced through his Twitter account that he had arrived in Caracas on Monday morning, just after 11 a.m.
Diplomatic representatives from Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Chile, France and Romania were at the Simón Bolívar International Airport, waiting for Guaidó at the arrivals area of the facility.
President Guaido safely returned to Venezuela today to continue his strong push for a democratic future for the people of his country. The United States fully supports Guaido and the National Assembly. His safety must be guaranteed. The world is watching. pic.twitter.com/pFwUghxW63
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) March 4, 2019
Later, Guaidó attended a local rally that served as a meeting point for demonstrations convened for his support.
Guaidó, speaking to thousands at a local plaza, called for people to return to the streets on Saturday and mobilize. He also called for all public employees for a turnout on Tuesday, where he said he would be making an important announcement.
Earlier, Guaidó had tweeted, "I'm going home. I return to continue working for our route and to strengthen the internal pressure that allows us to liberate our country."
He also shared an audio message with his followers:
"By the time you hear this message, I will be on my way home. I have traveled the continent looking for the highest levels of support for the restoration of democracy in our country, and that mission has been fulfilled," explained Guaidó.
The Nicolas Maduro regime has said that Guaidó would be arrested upon his return to Venezuela.
Maduro said there is a judicial order for his arrest. He says the judiciary had ordered Guaidó not to leave the country, but that he had defied that order.
On the other hand, Guaidó, as the head of the National Assembly, counts with immunity from prosecution.
The United States and other countries in the region have been firm about Guaidó's security. They have in so many words, said that any harm to Guaidó or his family would represent an escalation of hostilities that could possibly lead to military intervention.
Guaidó returns to Caracas:
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said, "All cards are on the table."
Elliott Abrams, envoy of the State Department on Venezuela, expressed his concern regarding Guaidó's return.
"Several officials of the Maduro regime have threatened to arrest him. Certainly, we hope he can go home safely," Abrams said.
"We know that there are dozens and dozens of other governments that share that concern. I think if he were arrested on his return, he would see a very big reaction from the Venezuelan people and the international community."
Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted that threats or action against Guaidó "will be met with a strong and significant response from the United States."
Guaidó has been recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by 52 nations, including the United States.
Maduro had been asking for dialogue to resolve the crisis, but the opposition contends that is a strategy for him to remain in power.
On February 23rd, Maduro was seen dancing on stage with his wife while humanitarian supplies were being burned by his forces at the Colombia-Venezuelan border.
Maduro continues to control the Supreme Court, electoral power and the military.
