Venezuela launches diplomatic effort with US after Maduro’s abduction

Venezuela has announced the start of a diplomatic exploratory process with the United States, following the United States’ abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Communications Minister Freddy Ñañez confirmed on Friday that Acting President Delcy Rodriguez does not plan to travel abroad in the near future, emphasizing that the government is focused on a domestic agenda to ensure peace and stability for its citizens. However, Ñañez highlighted that one of the Bolivarian government’s short-term priorities is to explore the re-establishment of diplomatic missions in both Caracas and Washington.

The announcement comes amid continued condemnation from Venezuela over the US military operation on January 3, which targeted civilians and military personnel in Caracas and neighboring states. The Foreign Affairs Ministry described the actions as “criminal, illegitimate, and illegal,” noting that they resulted in the deaths of over a hundred civilians and soldiers and included the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

US delegation set to visit Venezuela for assesments
“In response, and in strict adherence to international law and the principles of national sovereignty, Venezuela has decided to initiate a diplomatic exploratory process with the US government to re-establish diplomatic missions, address the consequences of the aggression, and pursue a mutual work agenda,” the Ministry said.

As part of this effort, a US delegation of diplomats arrived in Caracas to conduct technical and logistical assessments, while Venezuela plans to send a corresponding team to Washington.

Acting President Rodriguez reiterated that Venezuela seeks to confront the aggression through diplomatic channels, stating that “Bolivarian Peace Diplomacy is the legitimate path to defend sovereignty, restore international law and preserve peace.”

The US government confirmed the deployment of its Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) personnel, including Charge d’Affaires John T. McNamara, to assess the feasibility of gradually resuming operations in Caracas. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump indicated that his administration is considering reopening the US legation in Venezuela, which has been managed from Bogota since the 2019 rupture of diplomatic relations.

Venezuela not subjugated by US: Rodriguez
On January 8, Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez asserted that her country is not “subjugated” by the United States, dismissing claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington was effectively controlling the country following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

“We are not subordinate or subjugated,” Rodríguez said during a ceremony honoring the 100 Venezuelans killed during the US assault on January 3, adding that “nothing was surrendered. There was fighting for the homeland.”

Furthermore, Venezuela is open to developing energy relations that “benefit all parties,” Rodriguez stated, emphasizing that Caracas remains steadfast in refusing to yield to any form of aggression and is extending its hand to all countries around the world.

Rodriguez emphasized that Venezuela is not at war, underlining that her country has consistently prioritized peace, while also noting that it has been subjected to aggression by a nuclear power, referring to the United States.