Maduro Says Venezuela Ready to Discuss Drug-Trafficking Deal and Oil Investments with US After Military Strikes
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated that Venezuela is prepared to engage in discussions with the United States regarding a drug-trafficking deal and would consider US oil investments, including those by Chevron. These remarks were made during a pre-taped interview with Ignacio Ramonet, aired on state television and recorded on New Year’s Eve.
Maduro accused the US of seeking regime change and access to Venezuela’s oil through a sustained pressure campaign that began with a major Caribbean Sea deployment in August. The US has designated Maduro’s regime as a foreign terrorist organization and imposed a total oil blockade, with US authorities seizing two ships carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Chevron remains the only major US oil company currently exporting Venezuelan crude to the United States.
Since early September, US-led strikes have targeted suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 114 deaths. A strike on December 31 killed five people across two vessels operated by narco-terrorist organizations. There are indications that the US campaign focused on Venezuela may expand, potentially including ground operations.
Maduro called for serious negotiations based on data, suggesting that oil investments would be welcomed wherever the US desires.
