Caracas: Venezuela has issued a demand for the release of its leader, Nicol¡s Maduro, who was abducted by the United States a month ago. Venezuelans supporting the government gathered in a significant rally, calling for the release of Maduro and his wife. The United States, meanwhile, has announced that it reimbursed Venezuela with the first installment payment for oil sales.
According to Thai News Agency, the rally in Caracas, named Gran Marcha, was organized by the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and saw participation from numerous supporters, including members of the Bolivian paramilitary force. Demonstrators carried signs and wore t-shirts demanding the release of Nicol¡s Maduro and his wife, who were detained by US special forces on January 3rd for extradition to the United States for trial.
Nicol¡s Maduro Guerra, the 35-year-old son of President Maduro, addressed the crowd, stating that January 3rd would leave a lasting mark on Venezuela as a day their sovereignty was violated by a foreign power. He expressed that this event has fueled an anti-imperialist sentiment among Venezuelans as they strive to advance their country, establish democracy, and implement their own economic policies.
In parallel, Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez, joined by the president of parliament and the interior minister, announced that she had communicated with U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions highlighted the importance of mutual respect and a constructive agenda, despite the ongoing disagreements between the two nations.
A US official, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the United States has reimbursed the Venezuelan government with an initial installment of $500 million for oil sales. The funds are currently held in a temporary account in Qatar, intended to be distributed to the Venezuelan populace at the discretion of the US government. The strategy for future oil sales involves retaining the funds in the US and disbursing them to the Venezuelan government as per the agreement between the two countries.