Dialogue with Venezuela on Drug Trafficking and Regional Security Confirmed by US Secretary Marco Rubio
Rubio explained that, for the first time in 20 years, Washington and Caracas are maintaining a dialogue focused on finding effective mechanisms to reduce and eliminate the presence and influence of external actors such as Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this morning, January 28, during his appearance at the Capitol, that President Donald Trump’s administration is conducting serious talks with Venezuelan authorities to advance the fight against drug trafficking organizations operating in that country, which affect regional and hemispheric security. According to journalist David Alandete of the Spanish newspaper ABC, Rubio appeared this Wednesday at the Capitol “to put into words for the first time the architecture that the United States says it is building for Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro” this January 3.
Rubio was tasked by Trump to coordinate with Delcy Rodríguez the administration of Venezuela, especially to eliminate the influence of drug trafficking and countries like Iran in the country. The Secretary of State is also coordinating with Rodríguez the release of more than a thousand political prisoners. The US official explained that, for the first time in 20 years, Washington and Caracas are maintaining a dialogue focused on finding effective mechanisms to reduce and eliminate the presence and influence of external actors such as Iran, China, and Russia within Venezuelan territory and its power structures. Although he did not elaborate on the talks, he stressed that this approach is part of a broader bilateral security and cooperation effort.
“Drug trafficking is a threat that knows no borders and directly impacts the security of our countries. We are committed to pursuing drug trafficking organizations and ensuring that Venezuela does not become a hub for these networks,” Rubio stated. Furthermore, he highlighted that there are sectors within Venezuela that have viewed the restoration of relations with the United States on multiple fronts with “favorable” approval. Rubio has been emphatic in his stance that external actors such as Iran and affiliated groups pose a regional threat if they maintain close ties with Venezuela, and has urged the elimination of any support that strengthens such influence.
If Delcy Rodríguez does not Cooperate Marco Rubio Warns that the United States Could Use Force
The hearing will mark Rubio’s first public appearance before Congress since the operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The United States is prepared to use force if Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez pictured below, does not cooperate with Washington’s objectives, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, according to a Bloomberg report. According to the agency, Rubio will present these statements at a hearing scheduled for this Wednesday before the US Congress, in which he will outline the position of US President Donald Trump’s administration on Venezuela and other foreign policy issues. Bloomberg indicated that Rubio will argue that Washington hopes Rodriguezs’s self-interest will facilitate cooperation, although he will warn her that the United States has other options if that scenario does not materialize.
According to information cited by Bloomberg, Rubio will indicate that Rodríguez has committed to opening the Venezuelan energy sector to US companies, granting preferential access to production, and using part of the oil revenues to purchase US goods. The hearing will mark Rubio’s first public appearance before Congress since the operation in Caracas on January 3, which resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to Bloomberg, Rubio will defend the operation as a law enforcement action that resulted in no U.S. casualties. However, Bloomberg also reports that Democratic lawmakers have questioned the operation, considering it an act that bypassed Congress and could imply prolonged US involvement in Venezuela.
University Leaders Challenge Delcy Rodríguez and Demand the Release of Political Prisoners
Impatience marks the fifth night of waiting for the release of political prisoners in Venezuela
The families of political prisoners in Venezuela are spending their fifth night on Monday, amidst faith and impatience, waiting for new releases as part of the process of freeing a “significant number” of people announced last Thursday by the authorities.
