Venezuelan Interim President Calls for Dialogue with the United States

Interim leader of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez. (Wikimedia Commons/Prensa Presidencial de Venezuela)

JAKARTA - The interim president of Venezuela on Wednesday called for diplomatic dialogue with the United States, following the US military's action in early January.

Speaking from the Miraflores Presidential Palace in the capital Caracas, Delcy Rodriguez recalled that he had recently made a phone call with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, noting that the two countries have a historical relationship.

He said that differences of opinion could be overcome through respect for international law and the Venezuelan constitution, stressing that dialogue was the preferred path, Anadolu (5/2) reported.

President Rodriguez further said that several extremist groups have attempted to take advantage of US intervention to sow chaos in Venezuela, but added that the community has resisted these efforts with maturity and self-control.

He said that after the US air raids and related events, the country was recovering and calm and security had been restored.

"The Venezuelan people want to defend their sovereignty, maintain national independence, peace, and tranquility," he said.

"If there is one thing that unites Venezuelans, it is that every controversy, every disagreement with the United States government must be handled diplomatically, through political dialogue," he said.

Referring to the US military attack on January 3 which included a targeted attack and resulted in the arrest and removal of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by US forces, President Rodriguez said "this attack is a stain on our relationship, and we must work diligently and respectfully to overcome our differences."

It is known that US forces brought President Maduro and Flores to New York City, where they pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges.

President Trump himself said his administration would "manage" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transition period.