01 February 2019•Update: 01 February 2019
By Muhammed Emin Canik
BUENOS AIRES
Venezuela’s self-declared leader, Juan Guaido, showed off a plan Thursday for the development of the country.
Guaido delivered his Country Plan at Central University of Venezuela in the capital city of Caracas and called for improving the government and putting it in service to the people. He said he wants to establish trust to attract investment to integrate Venezuela with the world.
The opposition leader said the government could fight problems faced by Venezuelans in electricity and other services.
“People are the center of this plan,” said Guaido, adding that the most important sectors for the implementation are “farmers, armed forces and international community.”
Guaido also called on Russia and China -- which are among the countries which support Nicolas Maduro, the country's elected president -- to reach an agreement and seek opportunities.
He added that humanitarian aid is the priority and his Country Plan is not something new but the product of years of efforts.
Guaido also urged Venezuelans to take to the streets, especially in Caracas, on Saturday for the demonstrations.
- Venezuela crisis
The South American country has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Tension rose when Guaido declared himself acting president Jan. 23.
Among those recognizing Guaido’s claim are the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay and the Organization of American States bloc.
Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.
Russia, China, and Iran also support Maduro, as does Turkey.
European heavyweights Britain, Germany, France, and Spain have called on Maduro to announce fresh elections to ease the crisis.
