Trump says second wave of Venezuela attacks cancelled after release of political prisoners
US President Donald Trump said he had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela after the government began releasing large numbers of political prisoners, describing the move as a gesture to "seek peace" and a sign of improving cooperation between the two countries.
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela after Caracas began releasing "large numbers" of political prisoners this week.
On his Truth Social platform, he wrote: "Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of "Seeking Peace." This is a very important and smart gesture, Trump said.
"The USA and Venezuela are working well together...especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure. Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes," he added.
Trump pointed out: "At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House." Currently, Chevron is the only US oil major in operation in Venezuela.
Gesture to 'seek peace'
On Thursday, Venezuela freed a number of jailed high-profile opposition figures, activists and journalists. The government said the move was a part of a gesture to "seek peace”. Less than a week before this, the Venezuelan government former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces in a military-style operation and flown to the US, where they are facing drug-trafficking charges. After his capture, protests erupted across the world, calling Trump to halt further military action and respect Venezuela’s sovereignty. Critics sounded a caution that the US operation could trigger instability and breach international law.
Talking to Fox News, Trump praised the Venezuelan government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, and said, "they've been great. ... Everything we’ve wanted, they’ve given us”.
On Thursday, Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, pointed out that the government would free a significant number of foreign and Venezuelan detainees. Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, later said that five Spanish nationals had been released and were returning home.