Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise Following Reported Final Offer from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump issued a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and exit the nation – at once.
Per accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign immediately."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to resign immediately and reportedly presented a set of conditions, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while keeping command of the military.
Recent Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent escalation of frictions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though specifics of that meeting were not made public.
Key Elements from the Alleged Exchange
- Demand: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released additional particulars about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly taken place in late November.
