In a dramatic turn of events following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has extended an olive branch to the United States government. Rodriguez issued a public invitation for collaboration, emphasizing a desire for peace and dialogue over conflict.
An Invitation for Dialogue Amid Crisis
Rodriguez made her statement on Sunday via the US-based social media platform Instagram. She explicitly invited the US government to work with Venezuela on a cooperative agenda focused on shared development, all within the framework of international law. Her goal, as stated, is to strengthen lasting and peaceful coexistence between the nations.
"We prioritize moving towards balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela, and between Venezuela and other countries in the region," Rodriguez wrote. She stressed that these relations must be premised on sovereign equality and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Trump's Demands and Warnings
This diplomatic overture comes directly after forceful comments from former US President Donald Trump. When asked about Rodriguez on Sunday, Trump stated that she is currently "cooperating." However, he issued a stark warning, declaring that she "will face a situation probably worse than Maduro" if her cooperation falters.
Trump was clear about his expectations, stating, "We need total access. We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country." This statement underscores the significant economic and strategic interests at play in the ongoing situation.
The Charges Against Maduro and the Call for Release
The crisis was triggered by a raid conducted by American forces. President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and brought to the United States. They landed in New York late Saturday and are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
The couple faces serious US federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Maduro has consistently denied these accusations. In response to the detention, officials in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, have publicly called for the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.
In her statement, Rodriguez linked her call for cooperation to Maduro's longstanding message. "President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war," she said. "This has always been President Nicolas Maduro’s message, and it is the message of all of Venezuela right now." The situation remains highly volatile, with Venezuela's acting leadership seeking diplomatic engagement while confronting immense pressure from the United States.
