Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over the recent tensions off the coast of Venezuela, due to the deployment of US naval forces under the pretext of the fight against drug trafficking, according to a note published on the Vatican News website. The report indicates that, in statements to news media Monday night upon leaving the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope expressed, regarding this complex situation in the Caribbean region, that “the key is to seek dialogue.”
“I believe we do not win with violence,” asserted the Bishop of Rome, who indicated that he became concerned when, minutes earlier, he had read a news report about warships approaching the Venezuelan coast, with the deployment of US Marines in the Caribbean, and referred to “the latent threat of a cold war,” the text specifies.
In recent hours, it was learned that the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the fleet, has been assigned to reinforce the US naval presence in waters near Venezuela.
The Pentagon cited as justification the interest in increasing capabilities to “detect, monitor, and dismantle illicit actors and activities that compromise the security and prosperity of the United States and our security in the Western Hemisphere.”
To date, the United States has bombed 16 vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in 64 deaths, according to information provided by US officials, who claim the actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking. However, observers believe the real objective of these actions is to pressure the Venezuelan government.
Regarding this matter, Diosdado Cabello, Secretary General of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), asserted last Tuesday that the people of his country are ready to “firmly confront any circumstance in defense of national sovereignty and the Bolivarian Revolution.”
Cabello reaffirmed that “no one is going to subject us to any form of slavery” and emphasized that his country “is ready to firmly face any circumstance in defense of national sovereignty,” while some 8.2 million Venezuelans have already enlisted in the Bolivarian National Militia.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
