US President Donald Trump has confirmed talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but he refused to provide details about his call conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart.
US President Donald Trump said in response to a question while talking to reporters on Air Force One that, yes, I have spoken to him. But I do not want to comment on it. This revelation has come at a time when President Trump is continuing his tough narrative regarding Venezuela on the one hand and is also considering diplomatic possibilities on the other.
It should be noted that on Saturday, President Trump had said that the airspace over and around Venezuela should be “considered completely closed”, but he did not give further details about this. The US President’s statement has created anxiety and confusion in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, as the US administration is increasing pressure on the Maduro government.
On the other hand, President Trump’s war preparations against Venezuela are also underway. The US has installed a radar at Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport, which military experts say could launch a war at any time.
According to the Bangkok Post, the US has significantly increased pressure on Venezuela, including a large military deployment in the Caribbean, declaring the alleged drug cartel led by Maduro a terrorist group, and a mysterious warning from Trump that Venezuelan airspace is closed.
Washington said the military deployment, which began in September, is aimed at curbing drug trafficking, but Caracas insists the real goal is regime change.
The New York Times reported on Friday that Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while the Wall Street Journal claimed on Saturday that the talks also included a possible pardon for Maduro if he resigns.
Republican Senator Mark Van Meulen said on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday that the United States had offered Maduro the option of exile in Russia or another country.
Read also: Trump announces ground action against Venezuela amid rising tensions
