In a recent interview, Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro expressed his country's willingness to engage in discussions with the United States to combat drug trafficking.
Maduro's remarks were made during a "Pod-Car" interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, as reported by Breitbart. The interview, recorded on December 31 and aired on January 1 by VTV, featured Maduro driving Ramonet around Caracas, accompanied by his wife, Cilia Flores, and Communications Minister Freddy ez.
A red hat with the slogan "No War, Yes Peace" was visible between Flores and ez, alluding to Maduro's recent messages to President Donald Trump.
Maduro stated, "We need to start serious talks, with data in hand. The U.S. government knows this, because we have told many of its spokespeople that if they want to have serious talks about an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we are ready." He further added, "If they want oil from Venezuela, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investments, such as with Chevron, whenever they want, wherever they want, and however they want."
Maduro claimed Venezuela possesses a "perfect" model for fighting drugs, dismissing other narratives as unbelievable even within the United States. He emphasized his regime's "maturity and stature" to engage diplomatically with Washington, provided the U.S. acts with "rationality and diplomacy."
These statements come amid a maximum pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Maduro, who faces accusations from U.S. courts of leading the Cartel of the Suns, an international cocaine trafficking operation. This cartel, run by top members of Maduro's regime, allegedly aims to "flood" the United States with cocaine.
The U.S. designated the Cartel of the Suns as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity in July, and Maduro is wanted by U.S. authorities on multiple narco-terrorism charges, with a $50 million bounty for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
The interview followed President Trump's announcement that U.S. forces had neutralized a drug trafficking facility in Venezuela. Maduro sidestepped a question from Ramonet regarding this operation but recounted a phone conversation with Trump, denying any subsequent discussions. "We had a single conversation. He called me on Friday, November 21, from the White House. I was at the Miraflores Palace," Maduro recounted.
He described the exchange as "respectful, very respectful," noting that Trump addressed him as "Mr. President Maduro," to which he responded with "Mr. President Donald Trump." Despite the "pleasant" nature of the conversation, Maduro lamented that "the developments after the conversation have not been pleasant."
Maduro reiterated accusations against the United States, alleging plans to invade Venezuela, remove him from power, and "steal" the nation's resources. "What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force," Maduro claimed. These assertions reflect ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Maduro's regime continuing to face international scrutiny and pressure.
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