Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate Following Alleged Demand from Donald Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump issued a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon power – and depart the country – without delay.
According to reports, the American president reportedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, promising assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to resign right then and is said to have presented a series of conditions, such as global legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining command of the military.
Latest Escalation in Persistent Bilateral Tensions
This incident marks the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior security officials to review the Venezuelan crisis, though details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Central Points from the Reported Exchange
- Final Offer: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a fast exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs during a broader American pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered additional information about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have occurred in the latter part of November.
