Former Trump advisor for South America on the Venezuelan crisis: "The sense of urgency must remain alive in the eyes of the world"

Until last week, the expectations of the Venezuelan opposition and the international community that supported it were based on the outcome of the operation. intended to achieve the entry of humanitarian aid in the Caribbean country and break the blockade mounted by Nicolás Maduro's regime

However, although the coalition managed to import about 50 tons of staples, the initiative was largely unsuccessful.

Most of the armed forces remained loyal to the regime and by a force of repression that left five dead and 275 wounded, prevented the access of the vast majority of trucks loaded with food and pharmaceuticals intended to mitigate – to a very small extent – the weaknesses of the Venezuelan people.

Faced with this situation, the interim President, Juan Guaidó, and US officials at the forefront of decision-making in this regard in the country of North America They did not hesitate to suggest that humanitarian intervention be considered.

However, other governments, such as those of Brazil or Chile, have been defined against the use of force. And at its meeting last Monday, the Lima group specifically excluded this alternative. While Guaidó is preparing for his return to Venezuelan territory despite threats of detention by the Maduro regime, the main issue the coalition faces is determining the steps to follow. so as not to lose momentum and keep the world's attention.

In this context, Infobae I'm speaking with Fernando Cutz, former director for the US National Security Council of South America during the first year and a half of the administration of Donald Trump, to know his badysis of the events of the last weekend and which should be, at his discretion, the steps that the opposition must continue to follow to maintain the pressure in the pursuit of its objective: to realize the exit of Nicolás Maduro of the power.

Cutz resigned from his position with General H.R. McMaster, of which he was a consultant, in March 2018. He is currently Senior Advisor to the Cohen Group.

"I am not sure that any of them has won a victory or a clear victory, at least … From Guaidó's point of view, the international community has been set in motion and focused on the situation. In addition, Maduro has been shown for what it is: a ruthless dictator who does not allow the pbadage of any humanitarian aid it would help the people.

At the same time, all the objectives that would have been achieved to obtain income from humanitarian aid and / or that the army disobey orders this seems contrary to the Venezuelan Constitution and its people. Maduro could sing the victory to have retained the loyalty of the armed forces despite everything that happens. However, the pressure against him continues. People are aware of what is happening and it makes it more difficult to justify their actions..

– Why do you think that Guaidó and the US officials most involved in the conflict have insinuated the possibility of a military intervention immediately after??

–I think that answers the frustration, something that I consider understandable. If you are not only the leader of a movement, but also a Venezuelan installed in the country, it must be very demoralizing to have to deal with everything that has happened in recent years democratically, economically and humanitarian, where the situation It has deteriorated to historic levels. All the more because these opportunities that give hope do not materialize. I hope that the military option is not the only one left on the table. I do not think that's the case. But I understand that there is this frustration.

– Shortly after these statements, various countries, including Brazil and Chile, opposed an intervention. Does this faction act as a counterweight to the international community?

– Whenever you make statements that seem less thoughtful, more impulsive, aggressive, I think this is never helpful. I think the United States, as well as other countries, They have done a phenomenal job in recent years to build an international coalition which, in many ways, is led by the Lima group, of which the United States is not even a member. The actions have been taken responsibly, have been thought of, and I think it is essential that this remains the case.

– Would this situation be different if these counterweights did not exist to help balance and frustrate this frustration?

– It is very positive that this balance exists. We see many countries that share a goal. They have different views on ways and means to reach it. But the dialogue and the process to achieve it are very positive and this has led to better thought policies.

– Prior to February 23, various opposition representatives had stated that there was no plan B. Now that the 23 is over, what should you do to maintain that momentum?

– The next steps are crucial. You must think about how to maintain the pressure so that the world's attention is not diluted. We have already experienced this situation in 2017 and before that too, and I do not think that the Venezuelan people can wait two years until the attention returns. I think we have already pbaded this point, and the sense of urgency must remain alive in the eyes of the world.

The international coalition is doing very well, but I'm not sure anyone has a clear and concise strategy for that. Part of this situation involves creating a path where there is none.

– Do you think that the international community would be willing to let Maduro and his entourage go if they take refuge in a country that accepts them?

-See there was a peaceful transition in which Maduro fled to a country that wanted to house him and where democracy was restored in Venezuela, I think everyone would accept this scenario. The idea is to achieve a peaceful outcome, so it would be the best in many ways.

– You said that Maduro should be tried for crimes against humanity. The Lima Group asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to review the events of the past weekend in the lawsuit filed by Argentina and four other countries, and requested that an expert the United Nations is appointed to investigate the situation. in Venezuela. Do you think multilateral organizations should play a more active role?

-It is difficult to achieve something at the UN because China and Russia block any productive action in the Security Council. As far as the ICC is concerned, I understand that you are acting with caution because that is part of your process. But if you want to play a relevant role and help the Venezuelan people, you will have to act a little faster. There is clear evidence that the Maduro regime has committed acts such as the torture of its political opponents and those who protest against him.

After this weekend, it became apparent that he had committed more crimes against humanity by denying his people the help they so badly needed for their personal benefit. I think it should go a little faster because it'sIt presents an exceptional case where it may be useful to see the evolution of the situation.instead of arriving years later saying "it was wrong". We already know it.

– The government of Guaidó announced that despite the blockade, 50 tons of humanitarian aid have come in, do you think it could be distributed or that the regime will seize it?

– I'm not sure, it depends on where you came from. It's very sad that we need to talk about it, but unfortunately, it's more likely that it did not happen. We have seen on different occasions how the regime destroys or steals it, then resells it. This scheme is managed with a mafia mentality. Maduro sits in power by making sure that the people around him continue to receive bribes and money from corruption, that it is safe to say that they are not allowed to pay. act of drug trafficking, white goods or even sale of humanitarian aid.