Venezuelans Oppose Foreign Military Intervention, Favor Dialogue
In a striking revelation, a recent survey indicates that a vast majority of Venezuelans reject foreign military intervention, favoring dialogue as a means to address the country’s challenges, reports 24brussels.
According to Luis Vicente Leon, president of Datanalisis, only 3% of respondents support intervention by foreign powers. Leon emphasized the necessity for Venezuelan leadership that can inspire confidence among its citizens and establish governability.
During an interview on Globovision, Leon connected the sentiment of the public to historical experiences in other nations, cautioning against the unforeseen repercussions of armed interventions. He cited past conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as examples where foreign invasions led to enduring instability and civil strife.
Leon highlighted that national surveys underscore a preference for a democratic process that prioritizes peace, prospective integration, and political agreements. He maintained that true stability can only be achieved through inclusive engagement across the political spectrum.
To foster “stable changes,” Leon asserted the need to negotiate with various factions within Venezuela to ensure future integration, warning that without such dialogue, lasting stability will remain elusive.
Implications for Domestic and International Actors
- For Venezuelan political groups: The findings emphasize the urgency to focus on dialogue, electoral pathways, and institutional agreements rather than confrontational approaches.
- For international stakeholders: Limited support for intervention indicates that diplomatic efforts, such as negotiations and electoral guarantees, may resonate more with public sentiment than coercive measures.
- For civil society: The preference for peaceful change underscores the need to protect channels for participation, expression, and oversight to bolster any negotiated solutions.
Looking Ahead
The clear mandate from Venezuelans is for a peaceful and democratic approach to governance, firmly rejecting foreign military involvement.
The alignment of both domestic and international stakeholders with this imperative will be crucial to fostering long-term stability in Venezuela. Negotiation and inclusion are poised to remain key components in the pursuit of sustainable resolutions as dialogue efforts progress.