Abbas congratulates president of Venezuela on country’s independence day, conveys “his constant interest in strengthening the methods of cooperation and joint coordination between the countries”

“[PA] President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro yesterday, Friday [July 5, 2019], for his country’s independence day.
The president said in the telegram of congratulations: ‘I am happy to convey to Your Honor on behalf of the State of Palestine and its people, and on my personal behalf, the warmest heartfelt congratulations for the independence day celebrations, and ask Almighty Allah that this event restore you and your people that is a friend to achieving more progress and prosperity.’
President Abbas expressed his pride in the historical close friendly ties connecting the peoples and countries, and in President Maduro’s standpoints that identify with and support – in all circles and at all levels – our people’s rights and its struggle to achieve its freedom and the establishment of its independent state, whose capital is East Jerusalem, the city of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. He also emphasized his constant interest in strengthening the methods of cooperation and joint coordination between the countries.”

Venezuelan crisis 2018-2019 - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro won a second term in the Venezuelan presidential election in May 2018; however, the election was determined to be fraudulent and Venezuela has been considered to be without a president by most of the international community since Jan. 10, 2019, when Nicolás Maduro’s legitimate term ended. Maduro nevertheless has continued as president, supported by countries like Russia, China, Mexico, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. The US, Canada, the EU, and others have condemned this and encouraged support for Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s legitimate president. Guaidó proclaimed himself “acting president” on Jan. 23, 2019, but Maduro has refused to step down. The countries supporting Guaidó have been accused by Russia and others of fomenting a coup. Dozens have been killed in protests against Maduro and his government, and the people are suffering under food and medicine shortages.