Caracas, Sep 23 (V7N)- A section of Venezuelan citizens has protested against the participation of acting President Delcy Rodríguez in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Rodríguez arrived in New York on September 21 and is scheduled to address world leaders at the UN General Assembly. She is also expected to hold a private meeting with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Protesters gathered in Caracas on Tuesday morning to voice their opposition to Rodríguez's visit and leadership. Nuris Medina, one of the protesters, said she strongly objected to Rodríguez being received at the UN.
Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president after former President Nicolás Maduro was detained during a US military operation on January 3. Maduro is currently detained in New York and faces charges that he has denied.
Rodríguez initially criticized Maduro's detention. However, her administration has since engaged in talks with the Trump administration on several issues, including Venezuela's oil resources.
More recently, a Venezuelan delegation led by Rodríguez has held discussions with US and international officials on energy, debt restructuring and mineral resources.
Another protester, Margot Monasterios, said Venezuelans were grateful to Trump for removing Maduro from power but argued that members of his inner circle remained in positions of authority.
“We thank Trump for removing the worst person on January 3rd. But you left behind the forty thieves,” Monasterios said.
Other protesters also expressed dissatisfaction with Rodríguez's leadership. Mary Romero said Venezuelans had suffered significantly under the government and argued that decisions about the country's future should be made by its people.
Rafael Azuaje, another protester, questioned Rodríguez's legitimacy, saying she was not elected by the Venezuelan people. He also alleged that the country's natural resources had been taken while living conditions had deteriorated.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials have said Rodríguez is using her participation in the UN General Assembly to present the country's position on peace and respect for international law.
Her expected meeting with Trump would be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the US operation that resulted in Maduro's detention. The Venezuelan delegation is also holding discussions with US officials on energy and other economic matters.
Rodríguez's UN visit has therefore placed Venezuela's current leadership in the international spotlight while also drawing renewed attention to domestic opposition over her legitimacy and leadership.
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