Ambassador César Trompiz hosted a Q&A session with a U.S.-Canada delegation, discussing Venezuela’s communes, international relations, U.S. military threats, and economic autonomy. He highlighted the country’s transition from oil dependency to self-sustainability, defended electoral integrity amid leftist criticisms, and emphasized the importance of solidarity with Bolivia and other nations.
On February 10, 2023, the U.S.-Canada Alliance for Global Justice delegation met with César Trompiz, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Bolivia, in a freeform Q&A session at the Venezuelan Embassy. This informal discussion allowed attendees to ask questions on various topics while Amb. Trompiz expressed his views candidly. The dialogue covered significant issues impacting Venezuela and its relations with other countries, particularly in the context of socialism and international politics.
Amb. Trompiz elaborated on the progress of Venezuela’s communes, which initially thrived on oil revenues but transitioned to a focus on self-sustainability after economic blockades. With the state recognizing 48,000 community councils and 5,000 systems, there is a growing emphasis on local production. The Ministry of Agriculture prioritizes organic farming over industrial methods, leading to a significant shift where Venezuela now produces 90% of its food, compared to 80% reliance on imports a decade ago.
Discussing challenges from the international left, Amb. Trompiz criticized leaders like Gustavo Petro and Lula da Silva for questioning election integrity in Venezuela. He stressed that these inconsistencies stem from political alliances faltering in the U.S. He defended Venezuela’s solidarity with regional peace processes despite international pressure, asserting that Hugo Chávez’s legacy continues to influence Venezuelan politics.
The ambassador highlighted exceptional relations with Bolivia, recalling historical connections through Bolívar and Sucre. Trompiz emphasized the necessity of solidarity amid external threats, particularly following the 2019 coup against Bolivia. He reaffirmed that Venezuela seeks investment from Bolivia to fuel economic growth, particularly in its oil sector.
On U.S. military threats, Amb. Trompiz asserted that sanctions equate to acts of war, claiming over 40,000 deaths resulted from these policies. He mentioned the aggressive military postures from previous U.S. administrations and Venezuela’s preparation to defend itself, including a trained national armed response. Trump’s administration allegedly aimed to destabilize Venezuela through sanctions and military campaigns, revealing an ongoing colonial mentality.
In responses about China, Trompiz stated that Venezuela enjoys a mutually beneficial partnership, devoid of political conditions imposed by China. He mentioned that Venezuela maintains autonomy in military and economic affairs and cooperates on financial aspects of their oil sector without incurring additional debt.
Examining potential collaborations within BRICS, he discussed Brazil’s foreign policy and emphasized alternative economic avenues without reliance solely on the dollar. Furthermore, he criticized the situation in Peru as a coup against democracy. When asked about emigration, he corrected the figure to approximately two million who left Venezuela due to economic migration, expressing optimism about many returning as the nation stabilizes.
Concluding the session, Trompiz underscored that U.S. policies, including the dilution of migration pathways for Venezuelans, threaten labor availability in the U.S. Lastly, he noted an attack on the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, showcasing tensions in diplomatic relations. The meeting ended on a positive note, signifying hope for ongoing dialogue and international relations.
The meeting with Ambassador César Trompiz underscored key challenges and achievements within Venezuela, emphasizing a shift from oil dependency to self-sustainability through community initiatives. It showcased the complexities of international relationships, particularly with the U.S. and allied nations while asserting Venezuela’s resilience against external pressures. Overall, the session provided valuable insights into Venezuela’s current political landscape and future direction, reinforcing the notion of solidarity and self-defense against imperialistic threats.
Original Source: peoplesworld.org
