Maduro Says Venezuela Is Open to Negotiate Agreement With U.S.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Thursday that his government is open to talks with the United States to negotiate an agreement. The news comes after months of the U.S. military’s pressure campaign against ‘narco-terrorism’ tied to his government.

Maduro said Venezuela is “ready” for discussion with the U.S. on all pertinent issues.

"The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready," he said. "If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it, and however they want it."

The interview with Spanish Journalist Ignacio Ramonet, which aired on State television, was pre-taped on New Year's Eve. That same day, the U.S. military announced a kinetic strike across two days. The strike killed eight people aboard several vessels. The boats were suspected of being operated by designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics smuggling.

This week, President Trump confirmed that the U.S. “knocked out” a dock facility along a shore tied to Venezuela.

When asked during the interview for confirmation of the attack, Maduro said, “This could be something we talk about in a few days.”

In the past few weeks, Trump has increased pressure on the Venezuelan Government. The administration has ordered a total blockade of oil tankers engaged in activities with Venezuela. Additionally, it has designated Maduro’s regime as a foreign terrorist organization.

Support from Conservative Lawmakers

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has shown support for the Trump administration's actions against Venezuela. Last year, he reintroduced a bill alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Bill Cassidy (R-FL) increasing the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maduro.

“Nicolás Maduro is a corrupt dictator and thug. The STOP MADURO Act helps badly needed efforts to hold him and his regime accountable," said Sen. Cruz. "I’m proud to cosponsor this effort, and will continue to work with the incoming Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress on these issues.”