VP Pence Says US Determined to Bear Its Power Against Venezuela

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence from Cartagena, Colombia, has reiterated that the United States is "absolutely determined to bring the full measure of American economic and diplomatic power to bear until we see democracy restored in Venezuela," according to Reuters.

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His remarks came days after President Donald Trump's comments Friday that a “military option” was not out of the question against Venezuela's Bolivarian government, adding further fuel to the escalating threats against the South American country.

Despite being inaugurated after his and Trump's campaign garnered second place — 2 million votes less — in the election, the U.S. vice president insisted that his country "will not stand by while Venezuela collapses into dictatorship," adding that "a failed state in Venezuela threatens the security and prosperity of our entire hemisphere and the people of the United States of America."

Pence is on a tour of Latin America, heading to Argentina, Chile, and Panama after his 2-day trip to Colombia.

At a press conference with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Sunday, Pence also said, "The United States will not rest and will not relent until Venezuela is restored to a full and prosperous democracy."

Meanwhile, Santos, who's courted Washington's stance toward Venezuela, put on the brakes after Trump's threat of military intervention in a Latin American country.

During the press appearance with Pence he said, “We must do everything possible so that democracy is re-established in Venezuela.” However, he confessed, “but as friends, we must tell each other the truth and I told Vice President Pence that the possibility of military intervention must not be contemplated."

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has long made calls for peace, dialogue, and negotiated solutions to resolve an ongoing crisis stemming from right-wing opposition protests that have claimed over 120 lives since April.

“America is a peaceful continent, let’s keep it this way,” Santos added, arguing that Colombia would instead support further sanctions.

Many analysts doubt that Pence's visit to South America will have much effect on regional affairs. The U.S. vice president has no power to determine U.S. foreign policy. Instead, he plays the role of a presidential adviser and representative who has meticulously steered clear of Trump's more controversial statements.

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"I think Pence's problem is that he is going to come to Latin America and people are going to ask him, 'Are you speaking on behalf of President Trump, are you speaking on behalf of the U.S. government? Will President Trump be the president a year from now in the U.S.?'" said Patricio Navia, a political scientist at New York University.

"So, I don't think he has enough political clout to exert any kind of influence in Latin America."

"I don't think any Latin American nation would support military invasion of Venezuela," Navia added. "What I think Pence wants to do is shore up support to remove Maduro through other means."

Hardliners in the opposition, led by the United Democratic Roundtable or MUD, have spurned these appeals and insisted on continuing near-daily protests against authorities.