Frictions with Venezuela Rise Following Purported Final Offer from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and flee the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly conducted a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your family, but you need to depart from the country now," the U.S. president reportedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have made a list of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to cede civilian authority while retaining command of the armed forces.
Recent Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions
This development marks the most recent increase of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not made public.
Key Points from the Alleged Conversation
- Final Offer: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a rapid exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a broader American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have provided more information about the subjects talked about during the remarkable exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
