Venezuelan President Rodriguez to Release More Prisoners in Call with Trump

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez Holds First Phone Call with US President Donald Trump

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez spoke with US President Donald Trump in a phone call on Wednesday, marking their first direct communication since the US military’s abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro. The conversation took place after Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, were taken into custody by US forces in Caracas on January 3.

During the call, Rodriguez discussed a bilateral agenda with Trump that aims to benefit both countries. According to Trump, the topics of discussion included oil, minerals, trade, and national security. The US president described the partnership between the two nations as “spectacular.”

Trump also praised Rodriguez, calling her a “terrific person.” Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously spoken with the acting president.

Rodriguez stated that Venezuela is entering a new political moment and that the process of releasing detainees has not yet concluded. She pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro’s presidency, citing his previous efforts in this regard. The release of over 400 detainees was announced earlier by Venezuelan authorities, although human rights groups have criticized the slow pace of these releases.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday, marking their first in-person meeting since Maduro’s abduction.

Source: Al Jazeera