The Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba voiced its opposition on Saturday to U.S. military involvement in Venezuela, while emphasizing that Nicolás Maduro's regime "lacks legitimacy" and has facilitated the current crisis through its connections with drug trafficking and authoritarian regimes.
In a statement released by its president, Manuel Cuesta Morúa, through Cubanet, the organization reiterated its support for the Venezuelan democratic community but emphasized its "unwavering commitment to the principle of non-intervention."
"Our support is for the Venezuelan democratic community, but also for the principle of non-intervention," stated the intellectual, political analyst, and Cuban opposition leader.
"The Council does not endorse the intervention of some states in others. We maintained this stance regarding Ukraine and continue to do so with consistency," he highlighted.
Nevertheless, the Cuban opposition leader clarified that Nicolás Maduro's government "cannot claim the sovereignty of the Venezuelan state because it has usurped popular sovereignty."
"It is an illegitimate government that has invited this intervention by continuously attempting to usurp the presidency and through its ties with drug trafficking and countries like Iran," he asserted.
Cuesta Morúa argued that the erosion of the Chavista regime's legitimacy has weakened Venezuelan sovereignty and its role as an autonomous actor in the region.
"Maduro does not represent a sovereign stance; he is an impediment to freedom and democratic institutionalism in Latin America," he added.
The Cuban dissident also took the opportunity to criticize the position of the Havana government, which has condemned military action in Caracas.
He pointed out that the current crisis in Venezuela has exposed the Cuban government’s inconsistency.
"It is contradictory for the Cuban regime to call for condemnation in Caracas while supporting intervention in Kiev by backing the Russian intervention in Ukraine," he emphasized.
The Council for the Transition insisted that its position is grounded in the coherence of principles, not ideological affinities.
"We defend national sovereignty, but also democratic legitimacy. No state has the right to intervene militarily in another, but no illegitimate regime has the right to use sovereignty as a shield to oppress its people," he concluded.
The Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC) was established on June 11, 2021, as a unified platform for the Cuban opposition, aiming to promote a peaceful transition to democracy on the island.
In 2023, the organization gained international legal recognition through The Hague Apostille, which certifies its authenticity within the domain of private international law.
It comprises a broad group of institutions, organizations, and citizens from both within and outside the country, dedicated to reclaiming national sovereignty, promoting human rights, and forging a new path for Cuba based on freedom and plurality.
Key Questions on the Venezuelan Crisis and Cuba's Stance
Why does the Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba oppose U.S. military involvement in Venezuela?
The Council opposes U.S. military involvement because it is committed to the principle of non-intervention, emphasizing support for democratic communities while rejecting foreign interference.
What reasons does the Council give for labeling Nicolás Maduro's government as illegitimate?
The Council argues that Maduro's government is illegitimate due to its usurpation of popular sovereignty, attempts to maintain power unlawfully, and connections with drug trafficking and authoritarian states.
How does the Council view the Cuban government's stance on the Venezuelan crisis?
The Council criticizes the Cuban government's stance as inconsistent, noting the contradiction in condemning military action in Venezuela while supporting Russian intervention in Ukraine.