Frictions involving Venezuela Rise After Reported Ultimatum from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the country – without delay.
Per accounts, the American president allegedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the country immediately," the U.S. president reportedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down immediately."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have presented a series of requests, such as global legal immunity and the right to cede political control while keeping command of the armed forces.
New Escalation in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions
This incident marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior security officials to discuss the Venezuela issue, though details of that gathering were not made public.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a rapid exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the army.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the subjects talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
