Frictions involving Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Alleged Demand from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the country – at once.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the country now," the U.S. president reportedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign on the spot and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including international amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while keeping control of the military.
New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This development represents the most recent heightening of tensions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly met with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuelan crisis, though details of that discussion have not been revealed.
Central Details from the Alleged Exchange
- Demand: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This occurs amid a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided further details about the topics talked about during the remarkable exchange, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
