NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States is “in charge” of Venezuela will be underscored Monday when the oil-rich nation’s deposed leader is hauled before a New York court, while his successor offers to cooperate.
Leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro, 63, faces narcotrafficking charges along with his wife, who was also seized and taken out of Caracas in the shock US assault Saturday, which involved commandos, bombing by jet planes, and a massive naval force off Venezuela’s coast.
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday at Venezuela’s request. This will provide a platform for international concern over US intentions in the country of around 30 million people.
Trump is unlikely phased, as his plan to dominate Venezuela and its vast oil reserves unfolds.
“We’re in charge,” Trump announced late Sunday.
In a potential win for Washington, Maduro’s successor and interim leader Delcy Rodriguez dropped her initial fiery rhetoric, issuing a statement late Sunday offering to work with Trump.
“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” the former vice president said.
This was hours after Trump threatened that she’d pay a “very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she didn’t bend to US wishes.
When asked what he needs from Rodriguez, Trump said: “We need total access. We need access to the oil and other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country.”
While there are no known US forces left inside Venezuela, a huge naval presence, including an aircraft carrier, remains off the coast.
The Trump administration says it retains powerful economic leverage by blockading oil tankers from Venezuela. Trump has also threatened additional military attacks if needed.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan hospitals have refused to divulge the number of people killed or injured in the pre-dawn strikes by US forces.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said a “large part” of Maduro’s security team were killed “in cold blood,” as well as military personnel and civilians, but gave no figures.
A doctors’ group told Agence France-Presse around 70 people were killed and 90 injured.