U.S. official expresses concern over Venezuela
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A government supporter waves a national flag during a march in Caracas, Venezuela, today. Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro called on Venezuelans to take to the streets today for what they dubbed the “mother of all marches” against the embattled socialist leader. Government supporters are holding their own counter demonstration. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
CARACAS, Venezuela >> The U.S. secretary of state says the Trump administration is concerned about the political turmoil in Venezuela and feels socialist President Nicolas Maduro is trying to squash the voice of his opponents.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tells reporters at the State Department that the U.S. is “concerned that the government of Maduro is violating its own constitution and is not allowing the opposition to have their voices heard.” He says Venezuela’s government is not allowing the opposition “to organize in ways that expresses the views of the Venezuelan people.”
Tillerson says the U.S. is watching the situation closely and is working with others, particularly through the Organization of American States, to communicate its concerns to Venezuela.
Meanwhile, authorities say a second protester has been killed in anti-government protests taking place across Venezuela.
The 23-year-old woman identified as Paola Ramirez was killed by gunfire from pro-government groups circling protesters in the western city of San Cristobal, the town’s mayor told The Associated Press. There were no other details immediately available.
Earlier, a 17-year-old was pronounced dead at a Caracas hospital after being shot in the head while walking near a protest.
