U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez on the Political Turmoil in Venezuela

SEN. BOB MENENDEZ: It would be a huge mistake and I oppose military — any form of military intervention in Venezuela. It would undermine the very effort of the democratic movement in Venezuela and the credibility of that democratic movement. The freedom of Venezuela will come through the hands of Venezuelans not to the intervention of the United States or any other nation. But I think it’s critically important that the 20 or so countries, including many from the Western Hemisphere who have traditionally shied away from speaking about human rights and democracy, violations in their neighboring country, have risen their voice in this regard, and I think that’s a powerful message. And joined not only by their words but hopefully for their actions in terms of economic consequences, I think the Venezuelan people can restore democracy in their nation.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: So, let’s just stay on this military intervention for a moment. You know, President Trump himself, at the very beginning of his administration, raise sort of questions with various tweets about this. And in response to questions about the famous Bolton notepads, again, the administration said all options are on the table. Are you concerned that there is some move afoot amongst, let’s say, people in the White House to potentially introduce U.S. military force to Venezuela?

MENENDEZ: Well, you know, it’s interesting because that would be counter to everything else the president’s inclinations are. You know, drawing troops from Syria at a time that that’s a challenge, supposedly he is paired to announce withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to some degree. So, his predilection seems to be to move American involvement abroad away and back at home, this would be totally counter to that. Now, whether it is a bluff, although I don’t think you have a bluff with our military, or whether it is just to keep all the options open to suggest that all the options are open. But in reality, I cannot envision the United States and I strongly would oppose the United States seeking to intervene militarily in Venezuela.

AMANPOUR: But you could imagine U.S. troops going to friendly countries like Colombia, next door, to support, could you? I mean, could that be what’s afoot potentially?

MENENDEZ: I don’t think that the Colombians or any of Venezuela’s neighbors will want to seek its military engagement in Venezuela. They have been doing a tremendous service in dealing with the humanitarian crisis and the flows of Venezuelans fleeing Venezuela. I think that as we ratchet up the sanctions, you know, sales to the United States from Venezuela about $28 million a day, those monies should be used to actually help the humanitarian relief that is necessary to help the Venezuelan people as they seek to restore democracy in their country.