Maduro Runs Out of Options as Trump Rejects Demand for Safe Exit

Washington: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro now seems to be almost out of options to get a safe exit from the US. According to the report, US President Donald Trump strongly rejected many of Maduro's demands in a brief phone call last month.

What conditions did Maduro put forward?

According to the report, Maduro had told Trump that he was ready to leave Venezuela, but in return he and his family should be given full legal protection. This included removing all US economic sanctions and closing the case against him in the International Criminal Court (ICC). In addition, he also demanded the dropping of charges of corruption, drug trafficking, and human rights violations against more than 100 Venezuelan officials.

Maduro also proposed that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez lead a temporary government ahead of new elections. It was reported that the phone call lasted less than 15 minutes and Trump refused most of the demands.

Trump had given one week's time

According to reports, Trump had given only one week's time to Maduro to leave the country and said that he could go with his family to any country of his choice. This deadline ended last Friday. At the same time, Trump suddenly declared Venezuelan airspace “completely closed,” which took Caracas by complete surprise.

On Sunday, Trump confirmed that he had spoken to Maduro but declined to provide any details. The White House has not yet made any official comment on this issue.

America's pressure campaign becomes more aggressive

The phone call took place at a time when the US had been increasing pressure on Maduro for the last several months. Since September, more than 21 attacks have been carried out on ships suspected of being involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. US officials claim that these networks are linked to the so-called 'Cartel de los Solace,' which the US has declared a foreign terrorist organization. So far 83 people have been killed in these attacks.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to increase military action on Venezuelan soil. He has increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million. Rewards of up to $25 million have also been announced on several close associates of Maduro. The Venezuelan government has been rejecting all the allegations.

Maduro's oath among supporters

Maduro addressed his supporters outside the presidential palace in the capital, Caracas, after reports of the phone call emerged. "Even at the cost of my life and my peace, I will be completely loyal to all of you. I will never betray you," he said, standing on stage with wife Cilia Flores and close aide Diosdado Cabayo.

Maduro has been in power since 2013 and claims to have won last year's election, which the US and many Western countries described as fraudulent.