Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Intensify After Reported Final Offer from Donald Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump issued a blunt demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon power – and flee the nation – without delay.
According to reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to exit the country right away," Trump reportedly stated, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay."
However, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to step down right then and is said to have made a series of conditions, such as international immunity from prosecution and the right to cede political control while retaining control of the military.
Recent Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This incident marks the latest heightening of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to review the Venezuela crisis, though particulars of that meeting have not been made public.
Key Elements from the Alleged Exchange
- Ultimatum: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit.
- Conditions: Sought international immunity and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a wider American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided further particulars about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
