US trying to destabilise Venezuela by backing opposition, Maduro claims

Embattled President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro is claiming that the US is trying to destabilise his country amid growing political crisis.

Maduro who was speaking in the capital of Caracas also rejected US aid and criticised EU nations for supporting the possibility of US military intervention in his country.

He also insisted that his government should have control over its borders and imports.

Read also: VENEZUELA: Guaido dismisses Maduro’s warning of civil war if political crisis persists

“Any material that comes from outside the country must be subject to certain conditions such as inspection and taxes as in all countries, whether by air, sea or land, and then there will be no problems,” he told Al Jazeera. “The theatrical presentation they are attempting on February 23 will not happen.”

Maduro’s comments are coming hours after he vowed not to relinquish power and described food aid by the US currently sitting at the border with Colombia as ‘mere crumbs’.

He also blamed the current food and medicine shortages in his country on Washington’s move to freeze billions of dollars in Venezuela’s assets.

However, Maduor informed that he has invited a US special envoy to come to Venezuela for negotiations following a recently held secret meeting with his foreign minister with the US official in New York.

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