Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Friday, Venezuela announced it has commenced discussions with the United States aimed at restoring diplomatic relations, following the removal and detention of former president Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

This development indicates a potential thaw in relations after Maduro's capture, with US President Donald Trump asserting that the US is now steering the transitional process in Venezuela.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated that President Delcy Rodriguez's interim government is embarking on an "exploratory diplomatic process" to facilitate the reopening of embassies in both nations.

US officials have confirmed that American diplomats have traveled to Caracas to evaluate the phased reopening of the US embassy, and Venezuela plans to send its own delegation to Washington.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, Rodriguez denounced the US military action that resulted in Maduro's arrest, labeling it as "illegal and criminal," emphasizing a commitment to resolving matters through diplomacy.

Oil Investment Initiatives by Trump

In a related statement, Trump indicated that he has halted additional military actions after Venezuela began releasing political prisoners. He also intensified pressure on US oil firms to invest in Venezuela, which possesses the largest proven oil reserves globally.

During a meeting at the White House, Trump encouraged oil executives to act swiftly, asserting that Venezuela is now open for business. However, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods warned that substantial reforms are necessary for investments to be viable.

Trump has stated that oil companies will work directly with Washington rather than Caracas, mentioning that firms have committed to potential investments up to $100 billion. He also revealed plans for the US to sell millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil and utilize the revenue at its discretion, with funds sent to Venezuela limited to purchasing US-made goods.

Meanwhile, US forces continue exerting maritime pressure in the Caribbean, intercepting oil tankers laden with Venezuelan crude. The state oil company, PDVSA, confirmed that one seized vessel has returned to Venezuelan waters under what it termed a cooperative operation with Washington.

Release of Political Prisoners

In a significant development, Venezuelan authorities began the release of political prisoners on Thursday, marking the first such action since Maduro's ousting during a January 3 raid that the Venezuelan government claims resulted in 100 fatalities.

Families congregated outside prisons, awaiting the return of their loved ones, with Washington taking credit for the releases.

Trump expressed intentions to meet with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the coming week. Exiled opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia emphasized that any democratic transition must acknowledge his disputed electoral victory from 2024, which was claimed by Maduro but widely viewed as fraudulent.

Ongoing Protests in Caracas

Despite the regime change, protests persisted in Caracas, with demonstrators clamoring for Maduro’s release and opposing US influence over Venezuelan oil. "We lost people in the attack, and now they seek our oil," remarked one protester, expressing ongoing grief.

#Global News