So it was neither unusual nor unexpected when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said he’d like to talk to the United States about drug trafficking. Tensions between the two nations have only escalated from there. The US’s charge against Maduro is that he runs a drug cartel, a charge he vigorously rejects.
Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has been subjected to a level of authoritarian tolerance by the US government. In recent years, the US has imposed what it describes as a “total blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers from Venezuela. On the face of it, this policy implementation includes seizing two ships. We are importantly pursuing a third captured vessel to stop the flow of illegal drugs coming into the United States. Trump administration’s justification for military operations against Venezuela. They justify these actions as falling within an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
During a recent interview, Maduro stated, “The US government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” He reiterated that Venezuela is open to dialogue. He articulated the keenest interest in working together to combat illicit drug trafficking.
Maduro hasn’t stopped attacking US motives, either. He implies that whenever the US cannot get its way, it tries to do so through threats and intimidation. “What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force,” he said.
As part of that effort, the US has conducted a wave of airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers. These strikes are intended for areas just offshore Venezuela’s Caribbean coast as well as in the eastern Pacific Ocean. So far, their implementation has led to at least 115 deaths, among them Venezuelan nationals. With multiple military interventions leading to disastrous consequences, fears of American intervention have only heightened suspicions among Venezuelans about the US’s true intentions. Maduro alleges that the endgame might be to overthrow the Venezuelan administration and take over its oil reserves.
Closer to home, Maduro has already made moves toward reduction of tension. He has signaled that Venezuela would red carpet welcome US investment in Venezuela’s oil sector. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it,” he remarked.
Maduro and former President Donald Trump may have last spoken on November 12. Maduro described their exchange as warm and respectful. The potential for future discussions remains uncertain but appears possible, as Maduro hinted that “this could be something we talk about in a few days.”