Venezuelan President Seeks Direct Talks with U.S.

(MENAFN) The Venezuelan government confirmed on Sunday that President Nicolás Maduro has reached out to US President Donald Trump with an offer to initiate direct dialogue between the two nations. The proposal was conveyed through Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell, according to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who made the announcement via her Telegram account.

The letter, dated September 6, firmly rejected accusations that the Venezuelan government is involved in "mafia and drug trafficking networks." Maduro branded such claims as "completely unfounded," condemning the allegations and referring to them as "fake news" that harm bilateral ties.

Maduro's correspondence also refuted reports suggesting that Venezuela had refused to accept deported migrants, calling these stories false. “This issue was swiftly resolved and clarified during discussions with Mr. Richard Grenell. This channel has functioned flawlessly to date,” the letter read.

In his communication, Maduro reiterated Venezuela's efforts to combat drug production, emphasizing the country’s commitment to remaining “free of drug production.” He pointed to United Nations data, which indicates that only 5% of drugs originating in Colombia pass through Venezuelan territory. "This year alone, we have neutralized more than 70% of that small percentage attempting to cross our more than 2,200-kilometer border with Colombia; this is a very important figure,” Maduro stated.

The letter further emphasized Venezuela's successful fight against international drug trafficking, referencing its collaboration with global institutions and agencies. “Venezuelan soldiers have destroyed 402 aircraft linked to drug smuggling. This and other matters will always be open for direct and frank discussion with your special envoy Grenell, so that we can overcome media noise and fake news,” Maduro wrote.

When asked about the letter and Venezuela's overture for talks, President Trump chose not to provide a direct response. He simply remarked, “We’ll see what happens with Venezuela,” declining to confirm or deny whether he had received Maduro’s letter.

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