Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro Summons To Council Of Defense After Trump's Threat

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called on the Defense Council of the Nation after the statement issued by the United States against the way the government is operating. On Monday 17, President of the United States Donald Trump, sent a letter in which he described Maduro as "bad leader," and threatened to eliminate economic support to the South American country.

"Yesterday, the Venezuelan people again made clear that they stand for democracy, freedom, and rule of law," Trump wrote in a statement. "Yet their strong and courageous actions continue to be ignored by a bad leader who dreams of becoming a dictator. The United States will not stand by the Venezuela crumbles."

The message caused great discomfort among senior Venezuelan executives, and the response was immediate and challenging. "Our country is not given any kind of orders nor is it ruled by any foreign government," said the head of state in his Twitter account.

According to article 323 of the Venezuelan Constitution, the Defense Council of the Nation is the "highest consultation body for the planning and advice of the Public Power in matters related to the integral defense of the Nation, its sovereignty and the integrity of Their geographic space. "

"The response will be very firm in defense of the Anti-colonial and Anti-imperialist Historical Patrimony of our homeland. We are invincible united," said the Head of State, minutes before the meeting that will head with Defense Council, composed of the highest representatives of the Public Power.

Maduro's decision to convene a National Constituent Assembly, scheduled for July 30, is passing over the decision of more than 7 million Venezuelans, who after voting in a symbolic way, decided that they do not agree with the plans to rewrite the constitution of Venezuela.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Samuel Moncada, repudiated the White House statement at a press conference. "Trump has committed an aggression against a Latin American country," the official said. Moncada said that the U.S. was "xenophobic and racist" and said they would not accept humiliation from anyone. "The United States threatens the people," said the chancellor. "The dignity of our people is at stake," he added.

According to CNN, economic sanctions on Venezuela would have a devastating impact, because not only does the Nation have the world's largest oil reserves, the U.S. is its biggest customer.

Protests against Maduro since April 1 have brought thousands to the streets demanding elections, but has also left 95 people dead, according to an official toll. The opposition in Venezuela is brutally repressed and everyone is asking for peace in the midst of the crisis.