Venezuela forms committee to secure the release of Maduro, who is detained in the United States
In a rapidly evolving situation on the Venezuelan and international stage, Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced decisive official steps to address the crisis surrounding the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores and their transfer to the United States. Rodríguez immediately established a high-level government commission tasked with securing their release, a move reflecting the ruling party's unwavering support for its historical leadership despite formidable legal and political challenges.
Details of the Supreme Committee and urgent actions
Venezuelan Information Minister Freddy Ñánez explained in official statements that the newly formed committee will have broad powers and include prominent figures in the government. The committee will be chaired by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, known for his political negotiating skills, and will also include Foreign Minister Iván Gil, who will handle international diplomacy, as well as Ñánez himself, who will manage the media coverage of the crisis. This move comes just one day after Delcy Rodríguez assumed office and held her first cabinet meeting, indicating that the release of Maduro is a top priority for the interim government.
Background to the charges and the American position
President Nicolás Maduro is currently being held in a New York federal prison, facing serious charges brought against him by US authorities. These charges revolve around issues related to “narco-terrorism,” accusations that the US Department of Justice has been hinting at for years. Maduro is scheduled to appear before a judge in the city on Monday to begin legal proceedings. The roots of this prosecution date back to 2020, when the United States formally accused Maduro and several of his associates of turning Venezuela into a state sponsor of drug trafficking to threaten US national security, and offered a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest.
The future of Venezuelan-American relations
Despite the severity of the current crisis, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has attempted to maintain a delicate balance in diplomatic relations. In a message posted on Telegram, she called for building "balanced and respectful" relations with the United States, signaling Caracas's desire to avoid a military escalation or a complete breakdown in communication channels. Observers believe this stance reflects a Venezuelan attempt to separate the legal proceedings against Maduro from the country's political and economic situation, particularly given the crippling economic sanctions the country has endured for years.
The international community, especially Latin American countries and Venezuela’s traditional allies such as Russia and China, are watching closely the outcome of this historic trial, which could redraw the geopolitical map of the region and directly affect the stability of global energy markets.
