Frictions with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Purported Final Offer from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
It is alleged that formerPresident Donald Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and depart the country – without delay.
Per accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation now," the U.S. president reportedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to step down immediately."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to resign immediately and reportedly made a series of conditions, including global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while keeping command of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent increase of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly met with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela crisis, though particulars of that meeting were not disclosed.
Key Points from the Alleged Exchange
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a swift exit.
- Conditions: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger American pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I can't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the topics talked about during the remarkable exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.