Venezuela’s Interim President Urges Talks With US

(MENAFN) Venezuela’s interim president has called for renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States following the American military operation in early January that removed former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from power.

Speaking from the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez said she recently held phone conversations with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations. She stressed that disagreements should be addressed through respect for international law and Venezuela’s constitution, and that dialogue remains the preferred method for resolving disputes.

Rodríguez noted that extremist groups had attempted to exploit the US intervention to create chaos, but the Venezuelan public had responded with restraint and maturity. She said the country was gradually recovering from the events, and that calm and security had been restored.

“The Venezuelan people want to preserve their sovereignty, safeguard national independence, peace and tranquility,” Rodríguez said, adding that any controversy or disagreement with the US must be resolved diplomatically through political dialogue.

Referring to the January 3 US military action, which involved targeted strikes and led to the capture and removal of Maduro and Flores, Rodríguez called the attack a stain on bilateral relations and stressed the need to work respectfully to overcome differences. The former leaders were taken to New York City, where they have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges.

Trump stated that during a transitional period, his administration would manage Venezuela and its oil resources. Rodríguez’s comments reflect an effort by the interim government to restore stability and pursue engagement with Washington while navigating the aftermath of the US intervention.

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