US President Donald Trump has appealed directly to Venezuelan military officers not to follow orders of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and to switch their loyality to the opposition leader Juan Guaido.
In his speech to the Venezuelan American Community on Monday, Trump said, “You can choose to accept President Guaido’s generous offer of amnesty to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen. President Guaido does not seek retribution against you and neither do we,” BBC reported.
Dozens of countries, including the United States, recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s leader.
Trump also warned the Venezuelan military officers, who are supporting incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.
“There are members of the Venezuelan military still barely supporting this failed dictatorship. They are risking their future, they are risking their lives,” Trump said.
“If you choose this path [support Maduro], you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything,” the US president added.
Trump also cautioned Venezuelan armed forces not to harm Guaido or other opposition politicians, urged them to accept the National Assembly leader’s offer of amnesty and demanded that they allow in food, medicine and other supplies.
Trump urges Venezuelan military not to follow orders of Maduro
