Venezuela Open to Talks with US Amid Ongoing Tensions

Venezuela President Maduro Offers Conciliatory Tone Amid US Pressure Campaign

In an interview aired on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated that his country is open to negotiating a deal with the United States to combat drug trafficking, oil, and migration issues. The statement comes as Maduro has struck a more conciliatory tone towards the US amid Washington’s ongoing sanctions and military pressure campaign.

During the interview, Maduro emphasized the need for both nations to engage in serious dialogue, citing data and evidence. He also reiterated that Venezuela is willing to discuss potential agreements with the US on combating drug trafficking.

However, Maduro renewed his allegations that the US is attempting to topple his government and gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves through Washington’s sanctions and military pressure campaign. He mentioned that if the US wants to invest in Venezuelan oil, the country is open to it, citing Chevron as an example of a major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the US.

When asked about a reported CIA-led strike on his country last week, Maduro remained silent. The US has launched numerous strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats originating from Venezuela, which rights groups have criticized as extrajudicial killings. Tensions escalated after Trump revealed a strike on a docking area for alleged Venezuelan drug boats, with the US president claiming it was “along the shore”.

The Trump administration has imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela’s coast, and has repeatedly threatened ground strikes on drug cartels in the region. Maduro has accused the US of seeking to impose itself on Venezuela through threats, intimidation, and force.

In recent days, Maduro’s government has released over 80 prisoners accused of protesting his disputed victory in the 2024 election, a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions with the US. The latest developments bring the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, resulting in at least 115 reported deaths.

Source: Al Jazeera