Nicolás Maduro says he will not attend the UN
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Thursday that he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly held this month.
President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, during a televised broadcast. / Via REUTERS
Reuters | Luc Cohen y Deisy Buitrago
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Leer en español: Nicolás Maduro afirma que no asistirá a la ONU
In an address on state television, Maduro said executive vice president Delcy Rodriguez and his foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, will represent Venezuela at the meeting.
"This year I will not go. This year I stay with you working here in Venezuela, safe and quiet," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel.
Maduro added that a delegation from his government will deliver about 12 million signatures as part of a campaign he has called "No more Trump" against US sanctions.
The president attended the meeting in 2018, after being absent in almost three years and sending his chancellor to represent the country. In 2015, he requested a "re-foundation" of the agency.
The United States, along with more than 50 countries, recognize the head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, as president in charge. The opposition leader proclaimed himself head of government arguing that the re-election of Maduro in May 2018 was "fraudulent."
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But, the leftist president, who maintains control of the functions of the State, including the Armed Forces, qualifies Guaidó as a Washington puppet that seeks to overthrow him with a blow.
The Donald Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Venezuela that hinder its oil trade and transactions in financial markets, isolate it diplomatically and limit the movements of officials.
