'Embrace Democracy': Bolton Threatens Sanctions Unless Venezuela Allows in Aid

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - White House National Security Adviser John Bolton has threatened Venezuela with more sanctions and “isolation” if its military continues blocking incoming humanitarian aid deliveries organised by the opposition.

“Venezuela’s military has a choice: Embrace democracy, protect civilians, and allow in humanitarian aid; or face even more sanctions and isolation", Bolton wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

Venezuela’s military has a choice: Embrace democracy, protect civilians, and allow in humanitarian aid; or face even more sanctions and isolation. https://t.co/KNdncJbPDH

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 23, 2019

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On Saturday, the Venezuelan opposition attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela that it has been stockpiling in the border regions in recent days in defiance of the legitimate government’s refusal to allow it in. Upon arrival, several trucks with aid were burnt on the border with Colombia, according to local media reports. The opposition, meanwhile, reported about 40 injured on the border with Colombia.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has refused to allow in unauthorised aid, saying it is a ploy to topple his government.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, for her part, recalled that under international humanitarian law, humanitarian aid is provided in the event of natural disasters, armed conflicts, and war. According to Rodriguez, claims about an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country are designed to justify the invasion of Venezuela, but the people will not allow this.

READ MORE: Bolton Threatens Nicaragua, Venezuela With Series of Menacing Tweets

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday did not rule out that a provocation against Caracas, possibly involving casualties, was being prepared under the guise of humanitarian aid deliveries, which might be used as pretext for a military operation.