Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has indicated a willingness to visit the United States, pending further cooperation with the U.S. Government. Rodríguez made the statement to NBC News’ Kristen Welker during a visit to Caracas by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Delcy Rodríguez: “Maduro is the legitimate president”
Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency in early January following U.S. Military action in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who are facing narcotics trafficking charges in the U.S.
Despite Maduro’s detention, Rodríguez maintains he remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela. “I can assure you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I tell you this as a lawyer, which I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are innocent,” she stated to NBC News.
Wright and Rodríguez are tasked with the “titanic task” of organizing the recovery of Venezuela’s oil industry, with U.S. Investors expected to play a key role, as requested by Washington.
United States: “Trust, but Verify”
The Rodríguez government has not yet released all political prisoners in Venezuela, a demand made by both the opposition and Washington. Shortly after being released from prison, opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa was re-arrested and is currently under house arrest.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the ongoing discussions with Rodríguez as a “tremendous cooperation,” invoking the phrase “trust, but verify” – a principle associated with former President Ronald Reagan. He stated that the U.S. Has been “treating with Delcy” for five weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Delcy Rodríguez become interim President of Venezuela?
Delcy Rodríguez became interim President of Venezuela in early January, following U.S. Military action and the detention of Nicolás Maduro.
What charges are Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores facing in the United States?
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores are facing charges related to narcotics trafficking.
What is the U.S. Seeking from Venezuela regarding its oil industry?
The U.S. Is seeking the recovery of Venezuela’s oil industry, with U.S. Investors expected to play a key role.
As the U.S. And Venezuela navigate this complex period, what impact might a potential visit by Rodríguez have on the future of diplomatic relations between the two countries?
