Maduro Calls Branson's Venezuela Aid Concert 'Cheap Show'

MEXICO CITY (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 22nd February, 2019) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro called an upcoming concert to raise funds for humanitarian aid for Venezuela a "cheap show" to "conceal provocations and aggression" against the Latin American country.

Last week, business magnate Richard Branson announced that he was organizing a "Live Aid"- style international music benefit to tackle Venezuela's humanitarian crisis. The concert will take place on February 22 in Cucuta, Colombia, right on the border with Venezuela.

"This is a cheap show to hide provocations and aggression against Venezuela. [Colombia's president Ivan] Duque went to Washington, and he is turning Colombia into a platform for aggression against Venezuela," Maduro told the Hispan tv broadcaster.

Speaker of Venezuela's parliament Juan Guaido proclaimed himself the country's interim president on January 23. Maduro has in the meantime called him a US puppet and accused Washington of organizing a coup in the Latin American country.

The United States, Canada and a number of other countries have recognized Guaido's leadership, while Russia, China, Mexico and Turkey have stressed that Maduro is the legitimate president and called for dialogue.