In a significant shift, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has expressed openness to dialogue and cooperation with the United States. This comes against the backdrop of claims by US President Donald Trump about a military strike on Venezuelan soil targeting alleged drug operations.
Maduro's Call for Dialogue on Key Issues
Speaking in an interview on state television on Thursday, Maduro directly addressed the possibility of engagement with Washington. He stated his willingness to discuss critical bilateral matters, including the fight against drug trafficking, the oil sector, and migration. "Wherever they want and whenever they want," Maduro was quoted saying about the prospect of talks.
He emphasised that the Venezuelan government has communicated its readiness for a serious agreement to combat drug trafficking. On the economically crucial topic of oil, Maduro sent a clear message: "If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it."
Uncertainty Over Trump's Strike Claims
This diplomatic overture follows comments from President Trump on Monday. At his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump told reporters that the US had "hit" a dock area in Venezuela where drugs were allegedly being loaded onto boats. "There was a major explosion in the dock area... So we hit all the boats and now we hit the area," Trump declared, calling it an "implementation area" that is "no longer around."
However, when pressed by journalists to confirm or deny this alleged land attack, President Maduro avoided a direct answer. "This could be something we talk about in a few days," he responded, leaving the incident shrouded in ambiguity. The US Southern Command later stated it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, killing eight people, but did not specify if these operations occurred on Venezuelan land.
Underlying Tensions and Accusations
Despite the offer for talks, Maduro reiterated long-standing accusations against the US administration. In his interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, he claimed the US seeks to force a change of government in Caracas to gain access to the country's vast oil reserves. He pointed to a pressure campaign that began with a massive US military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.
"What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force," Maduro asserted. Yet, he concluded that it is time for both nations to "start talking seriously, with data in hand."
The US military has intensified operations against alleged drug-smuggling routes from Latin America since September, conducting numerous strikes on boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The legality and evidence behind these operations have been subjects of debate, as the administration has not publicly provided proof that the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking.
