Maduro Open to U.S. Negotiations on Drug Trafficking

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated Thursday that his administration is willing to negotiate with the United States. This comes after months of military pressure from the U.S. aimed at addressing drug trafficking networks associated with his government.

In a pre-recorded interview with journalist Ignacio Ramonet, aired on state television, Maduro expressed that Venezuela is “ready” to engage in discussions regarding drug trafficking agreements. He emphasized the need for countries to “have the data and have a serious discussion.”

“The U.S. government is aware, as mentioned by various spokespersons, that if they genuinely want to talk about an agreement to tackle drug trafficking, we are prepared,” he remarked. “And if they are interested in oil, Venezuela, like Chevron, is set to welcome U.S. investments anytime and anywhere they see fit.”

Currently, Chevron remains the sole major U.S. oil company importing Venezuelan crude oil.

Maduro has previously suggested that the U.S. is looking to change the regime in Venezuela while seeking access to the nation’s oil reserves. This has been evident through an extensive pressure campaign that commenced with a significant military presence in the Caribbean back in August.

He asserted that the methods being employed by the U.S. are characterized by intimidation and force.

The interview took place on New Year’s Eve, coinciding with the U.S. military’s announcement of significant attacks on two ships linked to a designated terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking, resulting in five crew member fatalities.

Since the beginning of U.S. bombings targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in early September, over 114 individuals have reportedly died.

Speculations suggest that the U.S. might be contemplating an expansion of operations concerning Venezuela, possibly even ground operations.

Recently, President Trump acknowledged a military strike on a Venezuelan port believed to be utilized for drug trafficking, but did not clarify whether U.S. military forces or another agency, like the CIA, conducted the operation.

During the interview, Maduro refrained from discussing the recent attacks but noted, “We can address that issue in the coming days.”

Don’t forget, Trump has significantly intensified the pressure on Maduro in recent weeks, instituting a complete blockade against oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela, designating his regime as a foreign terrorist organization, and accusing him of misusing U.S. assets for terrorism, drug trafficking, and other criminal pursuits.

U.S. authorities have also confiscated two vessels transporting sanctioned oil.