Jailed ex-leader Maduro welcomes ‘any path to dialogue’ in Venezuela
Nicolas Maduro's comment comes ahead of a US-backed meeting between the interim government and opposition leaders.
Venezuela's former leader Nicolas Maduro, currently incarcerated in the United States, has expressed openness to "any path to dialogue" aimed at achieving peace, coexistence, and reconciliation among Venezuelans. The message was posted on the deposed president's official Telegram account. Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and supporters were captured during a US military operation in January and are awaiting trial for alleged drug and firearms trafficking.
Despite the charges, Maduro maintains his innocence. Speaking from his jail cell, Maduro emphasized the importance of mutual respect for diversity and inclusion for all Venezuelans. His son, currently a lawmaker, shared the message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The United States has backed interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez, who faces pressure to open the country to US corporations seeking to exploit its resources.
Political talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition leaders are scheduled to begin soon in Caracas. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly and interim president's brother, highlighted that the talks will address post-earthquake assistance and strengthening democracy. The talks will exclude the main opposition leader, Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado, who has agreed not to obstruct the process.
The recent devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, which claimed over 5,500 lives, have further exacerbated the country's already crumbling economy.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
