”We invite the US government to move forward with an agenda of shared development and cooperation within the framework of international law,” said Rodriguez, who also held the position of Minister of Oil. ”President Donald Trump, our people and this region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.”
What you should know
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has offered cooperation with the United States for "shared development" after President Nicolas Maduro was captured in a US military operation. Rodriguez's soft response comes as US President Donald Trump warns of further military strikes on Venezuela.
On Saturday, US troops took Maduro into custody in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Initially strongly criticizing the move as an "illegal seizure of resources," Rodriguez called for dialogue in a softer tone on social media on Sunday.
"We invite the US government to move forward with an agenda of shared development and cooperation within the framework of international law," said Rodriguez, who also holds the position of oil minister. "President Donald Trump, our people and this region deserve peace and dialogue, not war."
The 63-year-old Maduro, who was taken into custody, is due to appear in federal court in New York on Monday. He will be tried on charges of "narco-terrorism" in 2020. According to US authorities, Maduro is accused of supporting criminal groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the "Tren de Aragua" and of using military force to smuggle cocaine.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were also arrested in Saturday's operation. They have been charged with ordering the kidnapping and murder. Maduro has denied all the charges against him. It is estimated that it will take several months for the final verdict in the case.
