Mike Pence: The U.S. Will Not Accept the Rise of a Dictator in Venezuela

The U.S. Vice President, who has traveled to Latin America amid rising tensions in Venezuela, emphasized that Washington will not accept the emergence of a dictator in Venezuela and believes there is still a peaceful solution to the crisis. Meanwhile, Colombia has criticized Donald Trump's remarks regarding a potential military action. Mike Pence's trip to countries in Central and South America began with a visit to Colombia, Venezuela's neighbor. During a meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Pence stated that Venezuela is heading towards dictatorship, but finding a peaceful solution to the violence and political tensions is still possible. Pence's visit comes as the escalating crisis in Venezuela, marked by the Constituent Assembly elections, has entered a new phase, while the U.S. President stated in a speech that Washington does not rule out potential military action against Caracas. The U.S., along with other countries in the Americas, has criticized the Constituent Assembly elections and recent events in Venezuela. This election, boycotted by opponents of Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, was aimed at revising the constitution. Opponents claim this is part of the government's efforts to steer the country towards dictatorship, while Maduro claims it is 'the only way to create peace and tranquility' in the country. Nevertheless, tensions and violence continue in the country, with over 120 people having lost their lives so far. Latin American countries have reacted to Trump's remarks about potential military action, with even the staunchest critics of Caracas expressing disapproval. The Colombian President addressed this during his meeting with Pence, stating that the United States should not consider a military response to the current crisis. Juan Manuel Santos praised the friendship between his country and the United States but emphasized that 'friends should tell each other the truth,' advising Pence that military action 'should not even be considered.' Pence, as reported by agencies like the Associated Press, did not directly dismiss the military option. Instead, he emphasized that the U.S. government will collaborate with many other neighboring countries to pressure Maduro and return the country to a democratic path. Pence also announced new sanctions against Caracas. After Colombia, Pence will visit Argentina, Chile, and Panama. A senior U.S. official had previously told reporters that Venezuela is expected to be a main topic of discussions with officials from all four countries.