Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Intensify Following Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the country – at once.
As stated in reports, the American president reportedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down right away."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to resign immediately and reportedly made a set of conditions, such as international legal immunity and the right to cede civilian authority while maintaining command of the military.
New Increase in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This exchange represents the latest escalation of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly met with his leading security officials to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that discussion have not been disclosed.
Central Elements from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a fast exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This occurs within a broader American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered further information about the matters talked about during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.