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Guaido Tells VOA Maduro Officials 'Trying to Save Themselves'

Adriana Nunez Rabascal

   CARACAS - Venezuelan opposition leader and U.S.-recognized interim
   president Juan Guaido says officials linked to Nicolas Maduro's regime
   are trying to "save themselves".

   In an exclusive interview with VOA Spanish, Guaido responded to news
   that members of Maduro's inner circle are reaching out to U.S.
   government officials through various channels.

   "It seems that each one is looking to be saved, when what we want is to
   save Venezuela." Guaido told VOA, adding that "there is no
   coordination" within those loyal to Maduro.

   The Associated Press reported that the U.S. initiated secret
   communications with Diosdado Cabello, the president of Venezuela's
   National Constituent Assembly. The AP report said Maduro loyalists were
   trying to obtain guarantees that they would not suffer reprisals if
   they leave power.

   Cabello later dismissed the report as a "lie and a manipulation".
   During a Caracas press conference he sarcastically responded to a
   question about the AP report by saying "it's supposed to be a secret
   and (as such) I cannot say anything."

   Guaido told VOA he is aware that some of Maduro's representatives are
   in the United States. He did not elaborate but did say the visit is "an
   initiative [led by] the government in charge."

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