Russian defense minister defended troop presence in Venezuela and named his "allies" in the region

The United States is considering the possibility of using force against Latin American countries and is exercising unprecedented pressure against Venezuela, said Russia's defense minister, Sergei Shoigú, at the conference on international security in Moscow, which begins Wednesday.

"In the Western Hemisphere, the United States Gives New Life to the Monroe Doctrinewhose objective is to limit the sovereignty of Latin American states, to put pressure on countries that pursue a policy contrary to the interests of Washington, "he said, quoted by Interfax.

According to the Minister of Defense, "a typical example is the situation in Venezuelawhen the legitimate government is subject to unprecedented external pressure"

Shoigú said that "for this purpose"all the arsenal of means available, including the strength"

The minister added that Russia had the intention to strengthen relations with the countries of Latin America.

"We have many friends and traditional allies in this region. They are Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. We attach great importance to the level of confidence achieved and we will continue to work to increase it, "he said.

In early April, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Yuri BorisovHe said that Russia does not know or see another president of Venezuela as Nicolás Maduro and reiterated his full support for the government he leads.

Moscow and Caracas accuse Washington of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs because of its support for the president of the National Assembly and president in charge of the country, Juan Guaidó, while the US is questioning about the presence of the Russian army in this country of Latin America.

Venezuela is facing a political and social crisis that has intensified after January 23rd, Guaidó declared himself acting president by invoking articles of the Venezuelan Constitution and obtaining the support of. a large part of the countries of the American continent, notably the United States and Venezuela. twenty European nations.

The Venezuelan opposition, which does not recognize the new six-year term that Nicolás Maduro swore on Jan. 10, considering last May's elections illegitimate, ensures that the country is going through a "complex humanitarian emergency" and has asked for it. badistance from the international community to attend.

(With information from EFE)