In a dramatic shift of stance, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez has extended an olive branch to the United States, calling for a cooperative agenda just days after vehemently condemning the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
From Outrage to Invitation: A Strategic Pivot
Rodríguez's initial reaction to the operation on Saturday was one of fury. She denounced the actions and demanded Maduro's immediate return. However, by late Sunday, her tone had changed significantly. In an official statement, she said, "We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on a cooperation agenda, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law." This marks a sharp turnaround aimed at strengthening what she termed "lasting community coexistence."
The operation, which involved US forces snatching Maduro and launching targeted strikes in Caracas and nearby cities, has plunged the South American nation into a deep political crisis. Following the capture, US President Donald Trump announced that a team of US officials would "run" Venezuela, with Rodríguez expected to work alongside them.
Trump's Warning and the Oil Question
President Trump issued a stern warning to the acting Venezuelan leader. In an interview with The Atlantic magazine on Sunday, he stated, "If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro." He reiterated the US need for "total access" to Venezuela's vast oil reserves to rebuild the country, a point he emphasized to reporters aboard Air Force One.
Interestingly, Trump did not object to Rodríguez's characterization of Maduro's apprehension as a "kidnapping," remarking it wasn't a "bad term." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington would judge Rodríguez more by her actions than her words.
Rodríguez, a former oil minister, is intimately familiar with the challenges of managing the state oil company PDVSA and dealing with international firms. However, Trump's vision to rapidly boost Venezuelan oil production is seen as a daunting and expensive task, given years of underinvestment and mismanagement.
Internal Challenges and a Test of Power
Rodríguez's conciliatory statement, while potentially a sign of pragmatism, risks angering hardliners within her government. These factions have long viewed the US as an imperialist threat and see Maduro's capture as a blatant violation of national sovereignty.
Her hold on power faces a critical test on Monday as a new group of lawmakers is sworn in at the National Assembly. There is confusion over whether she requires a formal swearing-in ceremony, according to two unnamed lawmakers concerned about repercussions.
For now, Venezuelan officials are treating Maduro's status as a temporary forced absence. State media continues to refer to him as the president. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York courtroom on Monday, setting the stage for the next chapter in this international saga.
