Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on Monday extended an olive branch to the United States, calling for collaboration and dialogue amid the rapidly evolving scenario in the country. Emphasising peace, sovereignty and adherence to international law, Rodríguez said Venezuela is seeking cooperative engagement with the US for shared development and regional stability.
In a message posted on the social media platform Instagram, Rodríguez invited the US government to work with Venezuela on a mutually beneficial agenda. “We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law, to strengthen lasting community coexistence,” she said.
Expressing loyalty to former president Nicolás Maduro, Rodríguez said her appeal for peace and dialogue echoed his long-standing message. Her remarks came despite indications from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Rodríguez could be Washington’s preferred leader in the current political scenario.
Addressing Trump directly, Rodríguez said, “President Donald Trump, our people and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war. This has always been President Nicolás Maduro’s message, and it is the message of all of Venezuela right now.” She added that her vision remains rooted in unity, saying she continues to pursue the dream of a Venezuela where all citizens can come together.
Reaffirming Venezuela’s commitment to peace, the acting president stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and respect for national sovereignty. “A message from Venezuela to the world, and to the United States: Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation,” Rodríguez stated, adding that global peace begins with ensuring peace within individual nations.
Rodríguez underlined that Venezuela seeks balanced and respectful international relations with the United States and other countries in the region, guided by the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference. “These principles guide our diplomacy with the rest of the world,” she reiterated.
Trump gives Delcy a stark warning
Amid tensions escalating between the two countries, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he suggested that Rodríguez could face consequences worse than those faced by former President Nicolás Maduro if she fails to “do the right thing,” though he did not specify what actions he expects from her.
“I don’t have to tell you. I just say that she will face a situation probably worse than Maduro, because, you know, Maduro gave up immediately,” Trump said.
Trump also reiterated that the United States must have full access to Venezuela’s natural resources, particularly its oil reserves. He asserted that access to Venezuela’s resources was necessary for rebuilding the country. “We need total access. We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country,” he said.
Maduro remains in US custody
Meanwhile, dramatic developments unfolded over the weekend with the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores by US forces during a military operation on Saturday.
Both remain detained in the United States and are expected to appear before a federal court in the Southern District of New York today. They face charges linked to alleged narco-terrorism and conspiracy to traffic drugs, according to US authorities.
US officials confirmed that Maduro and Flores are scheduled to appear before a federal judge at 12 pm, marking their first court appearance following the operation carried out on Saturday.
Also read: How the US captured Nicolas Maduro in 2 hours and 20 minutes