Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Intensify After Reported Demand from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and exit the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and those closest to you, but you have to leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power on the spot and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including international legal immunity and being allowed to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions
This development marks the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to review the Venezuela crisis, though particulars of that discussion were not made public.
Central Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Demand: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro did not accept the terms for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing authority over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released further particulars about the topics discussed during the remarkable dialogue, which reportedly occurred in late November.
