Venezuela's interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, has launched a sharp critique against the United States, labelling its accusations concerning drugs, democracy, and human rights as "false." She asserted that these issues are merely pretexts for Washington's underlying objective: gaining control over Venezuela's vast petroleum resources.
"Excuses" for Oil Greed, Says Rodriguez
While addressing the Venezuelan Parliament, Rodriguez presented a firm defence of her nation's sovereignty. In a video message that has gone viral, she stated, "We are an energy powerhouse, we truly are. It has brought us tremendous problems, because you all know that the energy greed of the North wants resources of our country."
She directly linked longstanding US allegations to this resource ambition. "We have denounced all the falsehoods about drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights. They were the excuses because what has always been present is the (threat) that Venezuela's oil must be handed over to the global North," Rodriguez emphasised.
Openness to Partnerships Amidst Tensions
Rodriguez's remarks come in the wake of recent statements by former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that the US was receiving "full cooperation" from Venezuela's regime and would control the country and its oil reserves for years, acting as a political overlord for an indefinite period.
Despite this tense backdrop, Rodriguez outlined a path forward based on mutual benefit and clear contracts. "Venezuela is open to energy relations where all parties benefit, where economic cooperation is clearly defined in commercial contracts," she declared. She highlighted the country's substantial oil and gas reserves and a willingness to engage within the framework of international law.
US Actions and Venezuelan Stance
The diplomatic friction was further evidenced by recent US actions. On Wednesday, US forces seized two tankers hit by sanctions, and the administration announced it would manage all sales of Venezuela's future crude production, overseeing the global sale of the country's petroleum.
Rodriguez addressed the complex history, noting that the US attack to remove her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, had stained bilateral relations. However, she pragmatically stated that trading with the US was "not unusual or irregular." Her government's position remains focused on securing equitable energy partnerships that respect Venezuela's resources and sovereignty, marking a clear stance amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.
