President Trump says he may talk to Venezuela’s Maduro and would approve US anti-drug strikes inside Mexico amid Caribbean military buildup.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Monday he would consider talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro while expressing openness to US anti-drug strikes inside Mexico.
Trump confirmed he would potentially speak with the Venezuelan leader despite ongoing tensions between the two nations.
“At a certain period of time, I’ll be talking to him,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office while noting Maduro “has not been good to the United States.”
The president declined to rule out deploying US ground troops to Venezuela when questioned about military options.
“No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything,” Trump stated.
“We just have to take care of Venezuela,” he added. “They dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country from prisons.”
Hours later, Maduro responded during his weekly television program that he was prepared for direct dialogue with US officials.
The Venezuelan president said he was ready to talk “face to face” with anyone in the United States “who wants to talk to Venezuela.”
Current US military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago have heightened regional tensions, with American forces conducting maneuvers just kilometers from Venezuela’s coast.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified her nation’s position regarding the military presence.
“The US has NEVER requested use of our territory to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela,” she stated in a WhatsApp message to AFP.
“Trinidad and Tobago will not participate in any act that could harm the Venezuelan people,” the prime minister emphasized.
Venezuela has accused Washington of pursuing regime change through its Caribbean military buildup, which includes an aircraft carrier group and stealth jets.
Washington maintains that Maduro leads a “terrorist” drug cartel, allegations the Venezuelan leader denies.
US forces have conducted more than 20 anti-drug strikes since September, killing at least 83 people according to AFP tallies.
The United States has provided limited public evidence confirming those targeted were actually drug traffickers.
Trump also addressed potential military action against Mexican drug cartels during his White House remarks.
“Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It’s OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs,” Trump told reporters.
“I didn’t say I’m doing it, but I’d be proud to do it. Because we’re going to save millions of lives by doing it.”
The US maintains substantial naval forces in the Caribbean, including six warships officially tasked with combating drug trafficking. – AFP
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