Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described his last call with President Trump — where he asked for amnesty in exchange for fleeing the country — as “respectful and cordial,” hoping it would lead to peace with the US.
Maduro broke his silence over last month’s call with Trump on Wednesday, claiming the short conversation was a stepping stone to peace despite the discussion mainly focusing on a deal to see the Venezuelan dictator step down in exchange for help for him and his family, according to multiple reports.
“If this call means steps are being taken toward a respectful dialogue between our countries, then dialogue is welcome, diplomacy is welcome,” Maduro said during a televised event.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed his call with President Trump was “respectful and cordial.” Getty Images
President Trump has said the call went neither “well or badly,” with reports emerging that they discussed a deal to see Maduro removed as president. Will Oliver/UPI/ShutterstockThe Venezuelan strongman insisted that he kept mum about the call because he wished to avoid what he called “microphone diplomacy,” with Maduro only speaking about it this week following reports of what the call entailed.
Maduro declined to elaborate on his call with Trump out of “respect.” Trump has also kept quiet about the phone call.
“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters Sunday.
The details of the call were revealed at the start of the week, with Maduro allegedly telling the Trump administration that he was willing to leave Venezuela if he and his family were granted full legal amnesty, including the removal of US sanctions and the halt of the International Criminal Court case against him.
Since the call, the US has ramped up its threats to see the airstrikes against suspected smuggling boats begin coming ashore in Venezuela. U.S. Southern CommandMaduro also demanded that he be allowed to maintain control of Venezuela’s military if he paved the way for free elections, the Miami Herald first reported.
Trump’s refusal on both counts was said to be swift, giving Maduro an ultimatum that he leave immediately or else.
Since last month’s phone call, Trump has ramped up his threats against Venezuela as part of his war on the drug cartels, with the president suggesting land strikes were on the table following dozens of deadly attacks on suspected narco-terrorists ships in the Caribbean.
Despite the increased tensions, Maduro told reporters that “everything will go well for the peace, independence, dignity, and future of Venezuela.
With Post Wires
