Venezuelan politician Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of the nation’s top leader following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. The official presidential website of Venezuela has designated her as the interim president.
Recent visuals and official communications released on Sunday depict Rodríguez presiding over an urgent session of the Council of Ministers in Caracas. This marked her inaugural cabinet meeting in her new capacity as the acting president of Venezuela.
In a public statement, Rodríguez expressed her desire to establish cooperative ties with the US administration under President Trump. She extended an invitation for collaboration on mutually beneficial initiatives within the framework of international law to promote enduring communal harmony.
Additionally, Rodríguez characterized Maduro’s ousting as a “temporary absence” and condemned the US for what she labeled as the “kidnapping” of the former President and his spouse in an alleged illegal act of aggression.
Despite the absence of a formal inauguration ceremony broadcast on state television, Rodríguez refrained from explicitly proclaiming herself as the interim leader during a televised speech. The scrolling subtitle beneath her address continued to identify her as the vice-president without any indication of a political transition or leadership change.
Dismissing Donald Trump’s assertions of her cooperation with the US, Rodríguez denounced the perceived violations of international law against Venezuela. She vowed that history and justice would hold accountable those promoting what she deemed as an aggressive assault on her country.
President Trump issued a warning that if Rodríguez fails to comply, she will face severe consequences, possibly greater than those experienced by Maduro. He emphasized his desire for comprehensive access to Venezuela’s resources and infrastructure.
Recent statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned the legitimacy of Rodríguez and her government, citing concerns over the absence of free and fair elections in Venezuela.
Rodríguez’s appointment comes in the aftermath of the US Attorney General’s disclosure of charges against President Maduro and others for narco-terrorism conspiracy and related offenses following their apprehension. The indictment also includes accusations of cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of firearms, and conspiracy to possess destructive devices.
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