Russia says its staff in Venezuela "is a source of contention against possible stupid acts, such as military intervention"

Russia has once again supported Nicolás Maduro's regime and pledged to increase its support to Venezuela, both politically and economically, to help it overcome the serious crisis it is going through.

While the repudiation in the west of the military presence of personnel sent by Moscow is growing, statements from the Russian capital confirm that the army is there not only to advise the Chavistas: "I would like to convey to the name of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, words of support to the legitimate president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro (…) We do not see or know another president of Venezuela"said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov.

He refers directly to the acting President Juan Guaidó, the highest authority of the National Assembly, elected by popular vote and recognized by more than 50 countries of the world.

At the second session of the 14th meeting of the Russia-Venezuela Intergovernmental Commission, held in closed session in Moscow on Thursday and Friday, Borisov stressed that the meeting was a demonstration that both countries committed to pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation.

"We are convinced that this is precisely what is happening, and not with the language of threats, sanctions and ultimatums, Venezuela's foreign partners must contribute to this return to sustainable development"said the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, quoted by the official agency RIA Nóvosti.

He added that Russia reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the Government of Caracas to stabilize the situation in the country and insisted that the internal problems of Venezuela must be solved by Venezuelan citizens without outside interference

Moscow and Caracas accuse Washington of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs because of its support for the leader of the National Assembly and self-styled president of the country, Juan Guaidó, while the United States is questioning on the presence of the Russian army in the country of Latin America.

Although the Venezuelan and Russian authorities both claimed that they were technical specialists who had visited the country under agreements signed even under the presidency of Hugo Chávez, Russian Senator Franz Klintsevich stressed that this presence has profound implications.

"Like it or not, the presence of Russian citizens in the territory of another country, including Venezuela, it's a factor of contention against possible silly acts like a military intervention"he told the Russian news agency Interfax.

Of course, the Russian army should not interfere with the Venezuelan crisis, he said.

During the meeting of the bilateral commission, the Vice-President of Sector and Venezuelan Minister of Planning, Ricardo Menéndezthanked Moscow "the firmness in the position that lasted according to the peace"

He also thanked the respect for the self-determination of the people and the Venezuelan Constitution.

Beyond words, Russia's support for the Maduro government has been concretized by the signing of "eleven agreements of strategic importance"At the celebration of the Intergovernmental Commission, Menendez reported.

These are petroleum, finance, agriculture, trade, culture, education and science treaties, he said.