Delcy Rodríguez Signals Openness to Respectful Diplomatic Dialogue

In a statement issued on Saturday, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez expressed her government's willingness to engage in "respectful" relations "within the framework of international legality." This announcement came just hours following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a U.S. military operation.

Speaking from Caracas, Rodríguez demanded the "immediate release" of Maduro, whom she described as the "sole president" of Venezuela. She also highlighted the outrage among the Venezuelan populace over what she termed the "illegal and illegitimate abduction" of both Maduro and Flores, emphasizing that "all of Venezuela" had been mobilized in response.

As part of the official response, Rodríguez mentioned that the National Defense Council had been activated, alongside a decree of "external commotion" reportedly signed by President Maduro. This decree was set to be delivered to the president of the Supreme Court for constitutional backing in its Constitutional Chamber. She noted that actions outlined in the decree would begin "immediately" pending this support.

On the political front, Rodríguez asserted that the country "will not become a colony" and denounced the events as "barbaric," claiming they violated international law. She affirmed the government's readiness to defend Venezuela and its "natural resources," especially focusing on "hydrocarbons" and "energy resources."

In the latter part of her speech, Rodríguez outlined conditions for any future discussions. "We are open to relations of respect... within the framework of international legality and the laws of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," she stated, adding that this would be the only acceptable framework for interactions post what she described as an attack and military aggression against the nation and Caracas.

Her remarks followed President Trump's assertion that his team had been in contact with Rodríguez, who he claimed had expressed willingness to engage with Washington. However, the transcript provided no further specifics on this communication.

President Trump declared that his government would oversee Venezuela and its oil revenues following Maduro's capture, with Delcy Rodríguez leading a transitional government under terms set by Washington. From his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump emphasized that the United States would take control of the country "until a fair democratic transition" occurs, citing the Venezuelan infrastructure as "rotten" and promising that the oil would be managed to benefit both the Venezuelan people and compensate the U.S. for previous expropriations.

"We are going to run this country properly and ensure the Venezuelan people are taken care of," Trump stated, not ruling out future military actions should Chavista factions attempt to regain control. Notably, he mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in dialogue with Rodríguez, whom he described as willing "to do what we believe needs to be done to make Venezuela great again," echoing his own campaign slogan.

Trump suggested that Rodríguez would assume leadership of a transitional government, while the U.S. would secure and manage strategic resources, particularly oil. "We'll make a lot of money to take care of the country," he added, without specifying timelines or mechanisms.