Washington, United States- The White House stressed on Wednesday that the United States possesses “maximum leverage” over the interim authorities in Venezuela. It affirmed that Washington will play a decisive role in guiding political and economic decisions in the coming phase. This follows the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing that the United States continues close coordination with the interim authorities in Venezuela. She added: “We will continue to work with them, and the United States will continue to dictate its decisions.” She emphasized that Washington naturally holds broad influence. This enables it to directly shape the course of developments inside the country.
The move was ill-considered
In the same context, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration has a clear three-phase plan to deal with the situation in Venezuela following Maduro’s ouster. This came in response to criticism from lawmakers who argued that the U.S. move had not been sufficiently well thought out.
This came in response to criticism from lawmakers who argued that the U.S. move had not been sufficiently well thought out.
Rubio told reporters after meeting with several members of Congress that the administration had discussed the planning details extensively. He stressed that what took place was “not mere improvisation.” He explained that the first phase of the plan focuses on stabilizing the country. Its goal is to prevent a slide into chaos.
He explained that the first phase of the plan focuses on stabilizing the country and preventing a slide into chaos.
Recovery phase
The second phase, which he described as the “recovery phase,” aims to ensure fair and orderly access for U.S., Western, and other companies to the Venezuelan market.
And The Secretary of State noted that the third phase would be the “transition process.” However, he did not provide further and details regarding its form or timeline.
For her part, the White House press secretary reiterated that talk of organizing elections in Venezuela is still premature. She emphasized that the current priority is stabilizing the situation. Leavitt also revealed that President Donald Trump will meet on Friday with executives from major oil companies. They will discuss the “enormous opportunities currently available” in Venezuela’s energy sector in light of the recent political developments.
