Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate After Alleged Demand from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
It is alleged that formerPresident Donald Trump conveyed a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and depart the country – without delay.
Per accounts, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your family, but you must exit the country immediately," Trump reportedly said, promising safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power on the spot and reportedly made a set of requests, such as international legal immunity and the right to cede civilian authority while keeping control of the armed forces.
Recent Increase in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions
This development represents the most recent heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his top foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that meeting have not been revealed.
Key Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Final Offer: Prompt resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a rapid exit.
- Conditions: Sought international immunity and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader American diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have released further particulars about the matters talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
