Trump Engages in 'Terrific' Discussion with Interim Venezuelan President Rodríguez, Asserts Control Over Oil
In recent developments, US President Donald Trump held a long call
with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, marking the first direct contact between the two leaders since the ousting of Nicolas Maduro. The discussion touched on several topics including oil, minerals, trade, and national security, with both sides describing the call as positive and productive. Trump praised Rodríguez as a terrific person
and expressed optimism about future cooperation between the two countries.
Background and Context
Venezuela has been in the throes of political unrest since the US military captured former President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The raid resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people, including members of the Venezuelan military, Maduro’s Cuban security staff, and civilians.
Following Maduro's ousting, Rodriguez assumed the role of interim president. She mentioned that America's attack to remove her predecessor put a “stain” on the countries’ relations. However, she affirmed that Venezuela was “open to energy relations where all parties benefit.”
Control Over Oil and Warnings to Cuba
One of the main talking points of the discussion between Trump and Rodriguez was Venezuela's oil market. Trump's administration asserted control over Venezuelan oil, seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers on Wednesday. The US president has also made clear that no more Venezuelan oil or money would flow to the communist-run island of Cuba, a long-standing US foe and major beneficiary of Venezuelan oil.
The Trump administration's control over Venezuelan oil has drawn criticism, with detractors labelling it as a form of modern-day colonialism. Despite this, Rodriguez has defended plans to open up Venezuela's oil market to Washington, adding that it was “not unusual or irregular” to trade with the US.
Release of Prisoners and Future Prospects
In a bid to seek peace
, Venezuela released a significant number of citizens and foreigners from its prisons, as announced by Jorge Rodriguez, brother of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and head of the National Assembly. The specifics of the release, including the identities and total number of those released, were not disclosed.
President Trump has also expressed his desire to visit Venezuela and expects Rodriguez to visit the US. The meeting follows signals from Trump and his top advisers showing their willingness to work with the acting president.
Reactions and Implications
Cuba has responded with defiance to Trump's warnings, bracing for potential widespread unrest following Maduro's deposition. The implications for Venezuela's future remain uncertain, especially with the military's role in the country's future being highlighted.
Trump's actions in Venezuela have also sent warnings to other Latin American countries whose leaders oppose all or parts of his agenda. The US president has threatened Maduro’s successor with similar, or worse, treatment if she does not cooperate.
In conclusion, the recent developments mark a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations, with the focus on oil control and national security. Despite the criticisms and potential implications, both Trump and Rodríguez express optimism for a prosperous partnership.