Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump conveyed a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave office – and flee the country – immediately.
According to reports, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the nation now," Trump allegedly stated, promising assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to relinquish power immediately and reportedly made a series of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to cede political control while maintaining command of the armed forces.
This incident constitutes the most recent escalation of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly convened with his top security officials to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though details of that discussion were not made public.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered further details about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have occurred in the latter part of November.
Award-winning investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political and social issues across Europe.
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James