Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Reported Final Offer from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon office – and flee the country – without delay.
As stated in reports, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to exit the nation now," the U.S. president allegedly said, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to relinquish power right then and is said to have made a list of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up civilian authority while retaining command of the military.
Latest Escalation in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This incident represents the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his leading foreign policy team to deliberate on the Venezuelan situation, though details of that gathering were not made public.
Salient Points from the Alleged Conversation
- Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have released more details about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
