US targeting Venezuela because of democracy, independence, vast oil reserves: Activist

Hugo Chavez, former president of Venezuela, who founded the Bolivarian Revolution to establish popular democracy and economic independence and equitably distribute wealth in Latin America.

The United States is targeting Venezuela because of its revolutionary democracy, economic independence as well as its vast oil reserves, an American novelist and political activist says.

Mickey Z., who is a writer, editor, blogger and novelist living in New York City, made the remarks in an interview with Press TV on Friday while commenting on reports which say Venezuela has busted a US-backed coup attempt against President Nicolas Maduro.

“The question to ask oneself: is there anything in particular about Venezuela that might capture the attention of the US elites? Let’s see, a socialist government - risen from the Bolivarian Revolution - with goals like establishing popular democracy, economic independence, and equitable wealth distribution in Latin America,” said Mickey Z.

“Could any or all of that be enough to inspire regime change? Before you answer, there’s one more factor you might wish to consider: Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world,” he added.

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department denied that Washington was plotting to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

“The United States does not support political transitions by non-constitutional means,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

When Mickey Z.  was asked about the State Department comment, he said, “Instead of asking me, perhaps we should consult the folks in places like Chile, Iraq, Panama, Iran, Guatemala, and Indonesia. I'm certain they'd have stories to tell.”

Washington has targeted Caracas since late Hugo Chavez became president in 1999. He founded the Bolivarian Revolution to establish popular democracy and economic independence and equitably distribute wealth in Latin America.

Chavez was one of the key players in the progressive movement that has swept across Latin America over the past few years.

In 2002, a group of opposition politicians and troops backed by the United States staged a coup against Chavez. He was arrested and sent to a military base on a Caribbean island.

However, just two days later, the efforts of loyal military officers and massive demonstrations by Venezuelans swept him back to power.

Maduro became Venezuela’s president in March 2013, following the death of Chavez, who lost a two-year-long battle with cancer.  He has promised to continue the socialist policies of the former Venezuelan leader.

GJH/GJH


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