Lima Group of nations to discuss official support for Venezuelan opposition
The Lima Group—composed of 14 nations in the Americas—will meet in Ottawa today to discuss further plans to support Venezuela’s opposition.
The group was formed in 2017 to seek an end to Venezuela’s political-economic crisis under the government of Nicolas Maduro. The countries, along with the United States, spearheaded the recognition of National Assembly leader Juan Guaido as interim president.
The crisis has led to an exodus of refugees from Venezuela, pouring into neighbouring countries that constitute the backbone of the Lima Group. 3 million Venezuelans have left, with 5,000 leaving each day. Colombia and Peru have shouldered the lion’s share of the burden, hosting 1 million and 500,000 refugees, respectively.
Despite international pressure, Maduro is expected to hang on with the backing of the military and international allies like Russia. However, with the refugee issuing hanging over the Lima Group, expect them to hold their ground as much as Maduro. While the situation remains volatile and the outcome uncertain, neither side appears likely to deescalate in the near future.
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