Iran Dismisses US Allegation of Meddling in Venezuela

TEHRAN– Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson denounced as “ridiculous” allegations raised by the US state secretary that Iran was interfering in the internal affairs of Venezuela.

In a statement on Sunday, Abbas Mousavi said the US under the Donald Trump administration seeks to turn Latin America into its backyard, just like the 19th century.

However, he added, nations of the world, especially the people of Latin America, have awakened and the wheel of time does not move backwards, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported, according to the Tasnim News Agency.

“While Iranian specialists are trying to improve the water and electricity systems in Venezuela at the request of the government of Caracas, the US has looted $30 billion worth of Venezuela’s foreign-exchange reserves,” Mousavi said.

He also lashed out at the US government for targeting the Venezuelan nation with economic terrorism and for asking them to either riot against their legitimate government or face starvation.

“The US move is blatant and arrogant interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs, and is strongly condemned,” the spokesman concluded.

While visiting Paraguay on Saturday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed opposition to Iran’s presence in Latin America, claiming, “Iranian money remains in South America… supporting Hezbollah, supporting transnational criminal organizations, supporting efforts at terrorism throughout the region.”

M.Wassouf