CARACAS: The Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez denied assertions made by US President Donald Trump and emphasized that the nation will not be a colony of any country, not only that but also it is very much ready to defend its sovereignty and natural resources.
According to news agencies, Vice President Rodríguez addressed the nation following reported US military action and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. She said that President Maduro had been “abducted” and stressed that Nicolás Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.
She urged the people of Venezuela to remain patient and united, stating that the country is ready to defend itself and protect its natural resources in the aftermath of the reported US military operation.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuela’s vice president had been sworn in as president and had spoken with US officials, including Marco Rubio. Trump also said that the United States would oversee Venezuela’s affairs until a transfer of power and that US oil companies would operate in the country.
In retaliation, the government of Venezuela called a special national defense council to determine the measures it will take in response to what it called an assault on the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The officials of Venezuela have given a strong condemnation to the US action. They stated that the operation was intended to take possession of the oil and mineral resources of the country, thus international attention continues to be attracted to the situation and the escalation of conflict between the two nations.
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Venezuelan President brought to New York, to appear in court today
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been brought to New York by special aircraft and is expected to appear in court today.
According to reports, the plane with President Maduro landed at Stewart International Airport which was his first stop after leaving Guantanamo Bay. The airport and the areas near it were put under strict security measures to avoid any unforeseen incidents.
It has been indicated that the FBI agents were to take Maduro into custody. Later today, he is due to appear in a New York courtroom.
Security services are said to have heightened their presence at and around the airport in order to prevent any possible incidents.
