Maduro Open to Direct Talks with Trump Following Former President’s Signals
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated Monday he is prepared to engage in “face-to-face” discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to Trump’s recent openness to dialog with the Venezuelan leader.
Addressing inquiries about Trump’s comments regarding potential “discussions” between the two countries, Maduro asserted, “whoever wants to talk to Venezuela will talk face to face, face to face, without any problem,” as reported on his weekly program With Maduro+, broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión (VTV). This statement comes amidst a U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea, which Caracas views as a “threat.”
“Whoever wants to dialogue will always find in us people of their word, decent people and people with experience to lead Venezuela,” Maduro added. He emphasized that dialogue is the preferred method for resolving issues, stating, “only thru diplomacy should free countries and governments be understood, and only through dialogue should common points be sought on issues of mutual interest,” a position he described as “invariable” for his governance.
Though, Maduro drew a firm line, stating that ”what cannot be allowed” is “that the Venezuelan people be bombed and massacred.” He further argued that “Dialogue is the way to seek truth and peace” and “firmly questioned the threat of the use of force or the use of force to impose rules in relations between countries.”
Trump, speaking Monday from the Oval Office, reiterated that he is not ruling out any options regarding potential military intervention in Venezuela, while also expressing a willingness to talk with Maduro. He stated, “I’m not ruling anything out, we just have to take care of Venezuela.”
The former President also criticized Maduro’s government, claiming it “has not been good to the United States” and accusing it of sending members of the Tren de Aragua gang to the U.S.
Trump initially indicated on Sunday that “there could be discussions” with Maduro “as Venezuela wants to talk,” and on Friday revealed he had made a determination regarding measures to implement concerning Venezuela,without providing specifics.
Together, the U.S. State Department announced on Sunday it will designate the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) effective November 24, linking the group to Maduro’s government. Caracas has dismissed this designation as “an invention.” Maduro referenced a letter he sent to Trump on September 6, though did not elaborate on its contents.
