BTN News: In the midst of Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, tensions between Nicolás Maduro’s government and the international community have intensified following the controversial presidential elections held on July 28. The United States is reportedly ramping up efforts to pressure Maduro into stepping down, offering a deal that could include amnesty for him and key officials in his regime. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, these negotiations have become increasingly urgent, with the Biden administration pushing for Maduro’s exit before the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January.
The discussions, which have been taking place behind closed doors, involve high-stakes bargaining. The U.S. is allegedly willing to offer guarantees that Maduro and his top aides, many of whom face serious charges from the U.S. Department of Justice, would not be pursued for extradition if they agree to a peaceful transition of power. This is a significant offer, especially given that the U.S. currently has a $15 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture.
However, the situation is complicated by the political calendar. The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November adds a layer of urgency to these negotiations. If the Republican candidate wins, the approach towards Venezuela could shift dramatically, potentially ending any chance of a peaceful resolution through diplomacy. The stakes are high, not only for Maduro but for the entire Venezuelan regime, which has managed to hold on to power despite international sanctions, economic collapse, and widespread discontent at home.
This is not the first time the U.S. has made such offers. Previous attempts to entice Maduro into a peaceful transition have been made, particularly in light of the controversial election results. The Venezuelan opposition has accused the government of massive fraud, and despite the official announcement of Maduro’s victory by the National Electoral Council (CNE), no official results have been released weeks after the election. Instead, the opposition has published the results of over 80 percent of the voting records, claiming that their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, was the true victor.
Amid these claims of electoral fraud, the pressure on Maduro has escalated. The international community, led by the U.S., is seeking a way to navigate the crisis without plunging Venezuela into further turmoil. In previous negotiations held in Qatar, the U.S. had already proposed amnesty for Maduro in exchange for him stepping down. According to reports, these offers included allowing Maduro to choose any country for exile, providing millions of dollars in compensation, and even ensuring a safe haven for his family.
Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and a key figure in these talks, has acknowledged that the U.S. has been persistent in offering these deals. He revealed that the U.S. proposed giving Maduro a luxurious mansion in the Dominican Republic and guaranteeing his safety, highlighting the lengths to which Washington is willing to go to resolve the crisis.
Yet, despite these offers, Maduro’s stance remains resolute. Sources close to the Venezuelan president indicate that while he is open to dialogue, he insists on being treated with respect by Washington. At times, he has responded to U.S. overtures by telling them to mind their own business, showing his reluctance to bow to international pressure.
These negotiations are largely taking place virtually, with key players such as Jorge Rodríguez and Daniel P. Erikson, the head of U.S. policy towards Venezuela in the National Security Council, leading the discussions. Observers believe that international intervention may be the only viable path to Maduro’s exit, given that his government has withstood numerous challenges, including crippling sanctions, a massive exodus of citizens, diplomatic isolation, and a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation.
Furthermore, the U.S. is pushing for a firmer stance from left-leaning governments in the region, including Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Washington hopes these nations will apply more pressure on Maduro to provide concrete evidence of his electoral victory, aligning with the broader international effort to ensure a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
As the crisis deepens, the world watches closely, with the outcome of these negotiations holding significant implications not just for Venezuela, but for the broader geopolitical landscape in the Americas.
