Amid escalating political and diplomatic tensions following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas, interim president Delcy Rodríguez made a surprising declaration.
During a health project inauguration in La Candelaria, Caracas, on Friday, Rodríguez stated that her administration is contemplating the reopening of embassies with the United States. She justified this move by emphasizing the need to "reiterate the denunciation against the aggression" that she claims the Venezuelan people endured.
In her address, Rodríguez—also expressing gratitude towards leaders such as the presidents of Brazil, Colombia, and Spain, alongside the emir of Qatar—emphasized that the main goal of reestablishing diplomatic missions is to safeguard Venezuela's peace, stability, and sovereignty. She also highlighted the anticipated return of Maduro and his wife, attributing it to the supposed moral strength and exemplary nature of "Bolivarian diplomacy."
However, her speech was marked by hesitations and constructions that, rather than clarifying the official stance, revealed the internal tensions within chavismo in light of the new political landscape.
Signs of Diplomatic Reconciliation
The announcement comes at a time when both Caracas and Washington have signaled intentions to rebuild international relations in the wake of the attack. U.S. State Department officials have traveled to Caracas to conduct technical and logistical assessments for a "potential gradual resumption" of the U.S. embassy's operations, which have been halted since 2019.
Additionally, the Venezuelan regime has expressed its intention to dispatch a delegation to the United States to advance this process.
Balancing Condemnation and Dialogue
Rodríguez's public statements illustrate a delicate balance between condemning the U.S. military action and simultaneously acknowledging the necessity to engage in dialogue with the country that spearheaded the incursion.
In several previous communications, the official invited Washington to collaborate on a "cooperative agenda aimed at shared development," asserting that Venezuela aspires to maintain respectful relations founded on sovereign equality and non-interference.
Strategic Diplomatic Shift
Political experts suggest that this diplomatic shift is part of a pragmatic strategy by chavismo to safeguard the country's internal stability and its oil interests, while attempting to maintain a firm rhetoric in front of the public and the more radical factions within the regime.
The opening of channels with Washington, which Rodríguez sought to frame as a denunciation and a display of dignity, reflects an adaptation of the regime to new regional power dynamics: negotiating with the very nation that, just weeks ago, led a military operation dismantling the core of the Venezuelan regime.
Understanding the Reopening of U.S.-Venezuela Diplomatic Relations
Why is Delcy Rodríguez considering reopening the U.S. embassy?
Delcy Rodríguez is considering reopening the U.S. embassy as part of a strategy to reiterate the denunciation against what she perceives as aggression towards the Venezuelan people, and to safeguard the peace, stability, and sovereignty of Venezuela.
What are the goals of reestablishing diplomatic missions with the U.S.?
The goals include defending the peace, stability, and sovereignty of Venezuela, as well as ensuring the return of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, leveraging the supposed moral authority of "Bolivarian diplomacy."
How has the U.S. responded to the idea of reopening the embassy in Caracas?
U.S. State Department officials have visited Caracas to conduct technical and logistical assessments for a potential gradual reopening of the U.S. embassy, which has been closed since 2019.