Five days after Nicolás Maduro's US capture, interim president Delcy Rodríguez confirms no short-term foreign travel, prioritizing internal stability, as Venezuela balances denunciations with prisoner releases and talks to reopen US embassy.
Building on initial reactions to the US military operation that captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas—denounced as illegal and linked to over 100 deaths—Rodríguez's government, via Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, emphasized focus on domestic peace and stability, per a Telegram post.
This stance contrasts Colombian President Gustavo Petro's earlier report of a potential Bogotá visit, now off the table amid internal pressures. Rodríguez discussed the crisis with Petro, Brazil's Lula (thanked for support), and Spain's leader.
Amid challenges, diplomatic channels open with Washington for embassy restoration and mutual agendas, including oil sector revival. Congress President Jorge Rodríguez announced prisoner releases as a goodwill gesture: five Spaniards and two opposition figures. US President Trump halted further attacks, met oil executives, and sent chargé d'affaires John McNamara to Caracas.
Colombia, with its long border and migrant hosting role, eyes stability under Petro, who never recognized Maduro's poll win. Rodríguez navigates anger from Maduro allies while pursuing regional calm.
