Venezuela's army must choose constitution or Maduro: oppn

Bs_logoImage
AFP Caracas
Last Updated : May 18 2016 | 1:13 AM IST
The army in crisis-hit Venezuela has to choose whether it is "with the constitution or with (President Nicolas) Maduro," opposition leader Henrique Capriles said today.
He made the declaration to journalists after Maduro decreed a state of emergency broadening the powers of soldiers and police -- and a day before opposition-led marches demanding a referendum to oust the president.
There was no sign however of faltering loyalty to Maduro in the military, from which his late predecessor Hugo Chavez hailed.
On Wednesday, opposition protesters across the country are to demand that authorities validate a petition calling for a recall referendum against Maduro.
The opposition says electoral officials are stalling on the process. Last week, a similar march in Caracas was stopped by riot police firing tear gas.
"I say to the armed forces: the moment of truth has arrived -- to decide whether they are with the constitution or with Maduro," Capriles told a news conference.
"That is a decision for the military," he said.
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 18 2016 | 1:13 AM IST