Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate In the Wake of Purported Ultimatum from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish office – and exit the country – at once.
Per reports, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your family, but you must depart from the country immediately," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to step down immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to relinquish power immediately and is said to have made a series of conditions, such as global immunity from prosecution and the right to cede civilian authority while maintaining command of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Strain
This development constitutes the latest escalation of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly convened with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that gathering have not been made public.
Key Points from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued authority over the army.
- Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released further particulars about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
