Frictions involving Venezuela Escalate After Reported Demand from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump issued a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave office – and flee the country – without delay.
Per reports, the American president allegedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to leave the nation right away," Trump allegedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away."
However, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to step down on the spot and is said to have presented a set of requests, such as global amnesty and being allowed to cede civilian authority while keeping control of the armed forces.
New Increase in Persistent Bilateral Tensions
This development represents the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that discussion were not disclosed.
Salient Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a rapid exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered further information about the topics discussed during the remarkable dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.
