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U.S. Hands Off Venezuela!

February 22, 2014

Report Back from Rally Endorsed and Supported by Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO)






In response to US-backed right wing violence in Venezuela over the past 2 weeks, on Saturday, February 23rd the Hugo Chavez Peoples Defense Front (HCPDF - Southwest Chapter) called for a Vancouver rally for peace and self-determination for Venezuela. This call coincided with a huge march of women in Venezuela against the right wing violence, as well as similar solidarity actions in Toronto and Montreal. Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) endorsed and actively supported this important demonstration.

Earlier in the week, Venezuela expelled 3 US diplomats for meeting and collaborating with leaders of the violent protests. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also took a strong stand against US interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs, criticizing US Secretary of State John Kerry for a public statement which, “threatens Venezuela with more violence” and “gives the green light to violent groups to attack our people.”

It snowed for the entire duration of the demonstration, but that didn’t stop the many people who joined from chanting loudly and explaining the many passersby the reality of the situation in Venezuela. MAWO also printed a large new colour banner and picket signs which said, “US HANDS OFF VENEZUELA!” Rally participants included Venezuelans living in Vancouver, many people from the Latin-American community who had experienced similar US-backed violence in their own countries, and other peace loving people.

The rally was mc’d by HCPDF organizer Eder Delgado, and included speakers from many different community organizations. This included Tamara Hansen, coordinator of Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC), and Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice organizer Thomas Davies, who both expressed their unconditional support for the Venezuelan government and its fight against foreign intervention and right-wing violence.

From the Middle-East, to Africa, to Latin-America, and everywhere in between, we can see violent intervention from imperialist countries in all corners of the globe. In Venezuela, they have been able to fight back against these attacks with huge and consistent mobilizations against them. MAWO stands in solidarity with Venezuela, and all oppressed nations, defending their lives and dignity against these vicious attacks and for self-determination for all oppressed nations!

US HANDS OFF VENEZUELA!

US HANDS OFF LATIN-AMERICA!


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