Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed hope that Venezuela's ruling elite will embrace the historic chance ahead of them.
In a conversation with The New York Times, Rubio responded to statements made by Delcy Rodríguez, asserting that the United States will make decisions based on the "actions and facts" taken by the Venezuelan regime in the coming days.
"We believe they have some unique and historic opportunities to serve their country well, and we hope they will seize this opportunity," Rubio stated.
Rodríguez's Remarks on Venezuela's Future
Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, declared on Saturday that her government is ready for a relationship "based on respect" and "within the framework of international legality," following the detention of Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a U.S. military operation.
From Caracas, Rodríguez demanded the "immediate release" of Maduro, whom she called the "only president" of the nation. She emphasized that "the Venezuelan people... are outraged" by what she described as an "illegal and illegitimate kidnapping" of both the leader and Flores, asserting that "all of Venezuela" was mobilized.
Institutional and Political Reactions
Rodríguez explained that the National Defense Council was activated and a decree of "external commotion" signed by President Maduro was to be submitted to the president of the Supreme Tribunal for "constitutional backing" in the Constitutional Chamber.
She noted that, pending this support "in the coming hours," actions outlined in the decree would be implemented "from this moment."
Politically, the Vice President affirmed that Venezuela "will not be a colony of anyone" and termed the events as "barbarity" that, in her view, "violates international law." She reiterated the government's readiness to defend Venezuela and its "natural resources," focusing on "hydrocarbons" and "energy resources."
In her concluding remarks, Rodríguez set the conditions for any future dialogue. "We are open to respectful relations... within the framework of international legality and the laws of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," she concluded, adding that this is the only form of engagement acceptable following what she described as an attack and military aggression against the nation and Caracas.
Maduro’s Arrival in the U.S.
Nicolás Maduro arrived in New York State on Saturday via a U.S. Air Force plane landing at Stewart National Air Guard Base at 4:32 PM local time, after departing from Guantanamo.
The aircraft, a Boeing 757, came from Guantanamo, touching down just northwest of New York City. The departure occurred amidst a significant deployment of FBI, DEA, and National Guard forces, as shown in footage aired by Fox News. The plane's descent was slow, involving dozens of federal agents.
CNN had earlier reported that Maduro, then aboard the USS Iwo Jima, would make a brief stop in Guantanamo as part of a logistical plan to expedite his transfer to New York.
Previously, Donald Trump circulated images of Maduro shackled and blindfolded on the USS Iwo Jima, claiming the Venezuelan leader was being transported "to face charges."
Regarding the legal proceedings, Maduro is expected to face charges related to drug and arms trafficking in a federal court in Manhattan next week.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Tensions
What actions has Delcy Rodríguez proposed in response to Maduro's detention?
Delcy Rodríguez has proposed activating the National Defense Council and submitting a decree of "external commotion" for constitutional backing. She emphasized Venezuela's readiness to defend its sovereignty and resources.
What are the charges Nicolás Maduro is expected to face in New York?
Nicolás Maduro is expected to face charges related to drug and arms trafficking in a federal court in Manhattan.
How did the U.S. facilitate Maduro's transport to New York?
Maduro was transported on a U.S. Air Force Boeing 757 from Guantanamo to Stewart National Air Guard Base in New York, amid a heavy presence of federal agents.