Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Rise After Alleged Demand from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a blunt demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and depart the nation – immediately.
Per accounts, the American president supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your family, but you must depart from the nation right away," the U.S. president reportedly stated, promising assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to step down immediately and is said to have made a series of requests, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while keeping command of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange constitutes the most recent increase of strains between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that gathering were not made public.
Key Details from the Alleged Conversation
- Demand: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued control over the army.
- Wider Situation: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have released more details about the topics discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have occurred in late November.
