Strong Condemnation of U.S. Aggression and Kidnapping Conspiracy
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued a statement stating that a broad-based public meeting in solidarity with Venezuela was organised at the Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhavan, New Delhi, to protest against U.S. aggression, the conspiracy to abduct the democratically elected President of Venezuela and the First Lady, and to express solidarity with the people of Venezuela.
The meeting was addressed by leaders and Members of Parliament from several political parties, including: M. A. Baby [General Secretary, CPI(M), D. Raja (General Secretary, CPI), Ravi Rai (Polit Bureau Member, CPI (ML) Liberation), G. Devarajan (General Secretary, AIFB), R. S. Dagar (Central Secretariat Member, RSP), Tiruchi Siva (MP, Leader of DMK in Rajya Sabha), Thol. Thirumavalavan (MP, National President of VCK), Javed Ali Khan (MP, Samajwadi Party), Manoj Jha (MP, RJD) and Sandeep Pathak (MP, Aam Aadmi Party).
All speakers unequivocally condemned U.S. imperialist aggression against Venezuela and described it as a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the principle of national sovereignty. They underlined that interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country and conspiracies to overthrow or abduct an elected leadership set a dangerous precedent for the entire world.
The meeting was chaired by Prakash Karat. In his presidential address, he stressed that at a time when might is being placed above right, it is essential for democratic and progressive forces to speak out clearly and courageously. He recalled that the people of India have a proud tradition of opposing imperialism and defending sovereignty, a tradition that must be upheld today.
A Resolution in Solidarity with Venezuela (enclosed below) was unanimously adopted at the meeting. The resolution strongly condemned U.S. aggression, expressed firm solidarity with the people of Venezuela, and called upon the Government of India to pursue an independent, principled foreign policy. It urged the government to openly stand in solidarity with the peoples of Venezuela, Cuba, and Palestine, and to condemn U.S. aggression.
The meeting also appealed to the people of India to raise their voices against imperialist aggression and to stand united in defence of peace, sovereignty, and international law.
