Funeral bells begin to toll for the bolivar as a currency as the BCV tries to justify its failings with U.S. sanctions. Protests erupt in Zulia as electric crisis continues. The AN estimates when free elections could be held. Diplomats leave UN General Assembly during Arreaza's speech. ELN marks homes in Tachira and the FAES has murdered dozens of people in three months.
Today, Caretaker President Juan Guaidó spoke to a crowd in Chacao, Caracas. His call: the definitive end of usurpation, starting with a great march on May, 1st. Here's his full speech.
CNN published a report on drug-trafficking routes between Colombia and Venezuela. The U.S. imposed new sanctions on the Central Bank and will allow U.S.-based companies to file suits for confiscated property in Cuba. Russia investigates robberies in the construction of an assault rifle assembly plant. The Red Cross continues delivery of humanitarian aid. Guaidó calls for new open assembly on April 19th.
Maduro celebrated a Barrio Adentro anniversary the exact day the humanitarian aid arrived to fix the mess Barrio Adentro caused. The Central Bank managed to sell gold despite the sanctions, making the bolivar bleed out in the process. The AN will step up will step up and try to keep track of our tragedy.
Protests continue to rise in Venezuela despite a increasing regime repression. U.S. State Department releases fact sheet on Maduro's criminal track record. Canada included 43 individuals connected to Maduro to their sanctions list. The Lima Group releases another statement specifically addressing multinational organizations and calling out China, Russia, Turkey and Iran for their continued support for Maduro. On World Art Day, Notre Dame cathedral burns.
Caretaker President Juan Guaidó spent the weekend in mass rallies in Zulia and Punto Fijo. Holy Week will be long and improductive by decree. Pompeo has had meetings in Chile, Peru and Colombia. The Red Cross announced they’ll increase their original budget for humanitarian aid in Venezuela
Juan Guaidó visited José Félix Ribas in Petare while Maduro reminisces about the events of April, 2002. Reuters published a report on the collapse of production in Venezuela due lack of electricity and water. Hugo "El Pollo" Carvajal was arrested in Madrid and SEBIN arrested four BCV employees who met with Guaidó at the AN. UN officials express growing concern for the humanitarian disaster in Venezuela. the U.S. Treasury Department expanded its sanctions list.
86% of Venezuelans don’t earn enough to cover their needs, according to a Consultores 21 survey. IMF and World Bank are ready to lend a hand. Ecuadorian embassy in London withdrew Julian Assange’s asylum yesterday. Russia defended Maduro in the UN and Maduro sent oil to Cuba again
Gustavo Tarre Briceño is officially the new Venezuelan representative to the OAS. New members of PDVSA’s ad hoc board of directors were appointed. A full report about the Pemon massacre in February was presented in the AN. Pediatric transplant patients are dying in hospitals. Michelle Bachelet said she’ll come, but didn’t say when.
Caretaker President presented the Law of Guarantees to public sector employees. Deputy José Guerra presented a plan for progressively increasing minimum wage. EU gets back to work with their proposed Contact Group to solve our crisis. Special envoy Elliot Abrams will travel to Latin America and meet with allies in the region.
We’ve been able to hang on for 22 years in one of the craziest media landscapes in the world. We’ve seen different media outlets in Venezuela (and abroad) closing shop, something we’re looking to avoid at all costs. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping us weather the storm.
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