Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate After Reported Final Offer from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump delivered a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish office – and flee the nation – immediately.
Per accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you have to leave the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly stated, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign immediately and is said to have made a list of requests, including global amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while retaining command of the armed forces.
Recent Increase in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent increase of strains between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly convened with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela situation, though details of that meeting have not been revealed.
Salient Points from the Alleged Conversation
- Final Offer: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, 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 administrations have offered additional particulars about the matters discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.
