Frictions involving Venezuela Rise Following Purported Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and flee the nation – without delay.
Per accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your inner circle, but you must leave the nation now," the U.S. president reportedly said, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to resign right then and reportedly presented a series of counter-demands, such as global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up civilian authority while retaining control of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions
This development represents the latest increase of strains between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela crisis, though details of that gathering were not revealed.
Salient Points from the Reported Exchange
- Final Offer: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have released further particulars about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have occurred in the latter part of November.
