Indian peace campaigner backs Venezuela

India's peace movement defended Venezuela's “new spirit of democracy” against imperialist war threats yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of the Todos Somos Venezuela (we are all Venezuela) All-India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) Secretary-General Professor Sonia Gupta denounced the threats against Caracas from “those who think they own the world.”

“We are here to defend Venezuelan sovereignty and democracy,” she said.

“Those who threaten Venezuela with military action must see Venezuela as a threat,” Prof Gupta said.

“Yes, it is a threat, to the 'democracy' of parties taking turns to rule, a threat of true democracy.”

Remembering the 124 people who died during four months of opposition riots this year aimed at bringing down the government, she said: “The body is mortal but the soul is eternal. The souls of those who lost their lives are alive here today.”

“This is the new spirit of democracy. For this Venezuela is a threat,” Prof Gupta said. “Venezuela is creating an alternative for all.”

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