Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are poised to soon weigh in with Juan Guaido, leader of the opposition to Venezuela’s anti-U.S. President Nicolas Maduro.
At the Thursday briefing for reporters at the Spring IMF/World Bank Meetings, IMF Managing Director Christine LaGarde said the financial colossus would be “guided by our membership” about “which authority they are recognizing diplomatically”—either Guaido or Maduro.
The IMF, whose mission is to advance economic growth and reduce poverty throughout the globe, has 189 member-nations and estimated resources of $667 billion (in U.S. dollars).
So far, roughly fifty countries have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of government in Venezuela. In addition, the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank have recognized Guaido’s representative.
LaGarde’s remarks came on the heels of similar words from World Bank President David Malpass. At an early press briefing, Malpass — who left the Trump Treasury Department to take his current position — told reporters “Venezuela was of deep concern” and that the World Bank “will be involved as the situation evolves — it’s troublesome.”
Like LaGarde, Malpass said his organization’s decision on whose authority to recognize in Venezuela “will be guided by the international community and our shareholders.”
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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