Argentina Seeks Extradition of Maduro; Ally Alex Saab Arrested in Venezuela
In a recent turn of events, Argentina has moved to extradite former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from the U.S., as reported by TASS. Alex Saab, a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman and a close ally of Maduro, was arrested in Venezuela in a joint operation between local security forces and FBI agents. The arrest has led to a deepening cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuela, the New York Times asserts.
Background
Alex Saab, a former minister of Maduro's government, had been under scrutiny for his political connections. His recent arrest has rekindled the Trentini case, as reported by La Repubblica. Saab was previously held in the U.S., and is expected to be extradited to the U.S. in the coming days, according to a U.S. law enforcement official cited by Fox News.
Arrest Controversy and Reactions
The news of Saab's arrest was met with controversy, as his lawyer, Luigi Giuliano, denied the arrest as fake news,
according to Fox News. Journalists aligned with Venezuela's government also made social media posts denying that Saab had been arrested. Giuliano informed that Saab may make an appearance to refute the arrest allegations himself but was consulting with the government about what had happened.
Impact on Venezuela and International Relations
The arrest of Saab and the extradition of Maduro are of significant relevance considering the ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela. The oil-rich nation has been facing a severe oil shortage, which has subsequently led to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, according to ANSA. The U.S., post-Maduro's capture, announced an easing of sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry, as reported by Fox News. The move is seen as an attempt to ramp up production.
However, this move has also sparked international controversy. As per The Hindu, President Donald Trump's remark about India buying Venezuelan oil raised eyebrows in the Indian Congress, which took a dig at its own government.
Current Status
The current status of Saab's extradition to the U.S. remains uncertain, given the denial by his lawyer. Argentina's request to extradite Maduro for him to testify in a case is also yet to be publicly addressed by the U.S. These developments signify a new chapter in the ongoing saga of Venezuela's political and economic turmoil. The actions taken by the U.S. and other international actors in reaction to these events will have far-reaching implications.