U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Sunday that the United States would not be directly involved in governing Venezuela on a daily basis, except for implementing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country. This statement contrasts with President Donald Trump’s previous announcement that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela following the removal of leader Nicolás Maduro.
Rubio’s remarks during television appearances appeared to address concerns about potential long-term foreign intervention or nation-building failures resulting from aggressive American actions to bring about regime change. While Trump had vaguely suggested that the U.S. would temporarily “run” the oil-rich nation, Rubio emphasized a more nuanced approach. He highlighted that the U.S. would maintain the existing oil quarantine on sanctioned tankers as leverage to push for policy reforms in Venezuela.
In response to Trump’s assertion of U.S. control, interim Venezuelan leader Delcy RodrÃguez extended an invitation for collaboration to the President, signaling a shift towards a more conciliatory stance. Rubio emphasized the continuation of the oil tanker blockade and stressed that the U.S. would leverage this measure to advocate for changes benefiting both the American national interest and the Venezuelan people.
Following these developments, Rodriguez expressed a desire for respectful relations with the U.S., marking a departure from her previous defiant stance. She called for cooperation with the U.S. government to promote shared development within the framework of international law, underscoring a shift towards a more diplomatic approach.
On the topic of Trump’s assertion to “run” Venezuela, Rubio addressed concerns from various quarters regarding potential repercussions and motives behind such a statement. He dismissed criticisms, emphasizing that the situation in Venezuela differed significantly from past interventions in the Middle East. Rubio also indicated that the U.S. would assess the actions of Maduro’s subordinates in governance and maintain a strategic military posture to address drug trafficking.
Trump’s subsequent statements during his travel on Air Force One raised speculation about potential military actions in Colombia and Mexico, with implications for Cuba as well. The President’s remarks hinted at a proactive stance towards addressing drug trafficking and governance issues in these countries.
The article further detailed Maduro’s arrival in New York and the subsequent legal developments involving charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy against him and other Venezuelan officials. The U.S. Justice Department’s indictment highlighted allegations of corruption and drug trafficking within Maduro’s administration, denouncing it as illegitimate.
The U.S. operation to extract Maduro and his wife marked a significant escalation in the pressure campaign against the Venezuelan leader, raising legal questions and drawing international attention. The article also provided insights into the quieter atmosphere in Venezuela following the operation, with the capital, Caracas, experiencing an unusual calmness and subdued activities in the aftermath of Maduro’s removal.