Venezuela starts talks with the United States as protests demand Maduro’s release

DW
DW
2h ago
Venezuela launched talks with the United States on reestablishing diplomatic relations as protests in Caracas demanded the release of captured President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela starts talks with the United States as protests demand Maduro’s release
A What happened
Venezuela said it launched talks with the United States on reestablishing relations as a US delegation of diplomats and a security detail visited Caracas to assess reopening the US Embassy. US forces conducted airstrikes in Venezuela on January 3 and seized President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown to New York to face drug-trafficking and other charges. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said diplomacy with US President Donald Trump was the best way to defend Venezuela and to ensure the return of Maduro and Flores. Demonstrators rallied in Caracas on Friday demanding Maduro’s release, and Caracas said the US operation left 100 people dead.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Rodriguez prioritized diplomacy with Trump: Delcy Rodriguez said diplomacy with US President Donald Trump was the best way to defend Venezuela and to ensure the return of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores.

  • 2

    US investment push focused on Venezuelan oil production: Trump told oil executives he wanted US oil companies to commit at least $100 billion to bolster Venezuelan oil production and later said a deal was formed for hundreds of billions of dollars in drilling, without details.

  • 3

    Venezuela signaled a prisoner-release gesture: Jorge Rodriguez said authorities would start releasing political prisoners as a gesture of peace, and the number of releases was unclear.

Takeaways

Venezuela and the United States began exploratory steps toward renewed diplomatic relations while Maduro remained in US custody and protests continued in Caracas.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Diplomacy Conflicts Climate & Environment Energy Security & Defense

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