Xinhua News Agency reported that on January 3rd, President Donald Trump announced that the US would "operate" Venezuela after the US military launched a military campaign, arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and took them to New York.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago resort (Florida), Mr. Trump said the US will directly manage Venezuela until there is a "safe, appropriate and cautious" power transition process.
We will run the country until we can carry out a safe, correct and considered transition process" - Mr. Trump said, while emphasizing that the US does not want a situation of leadership changes but repeating issues that have lasted for many years before.
According to Mr. Trump, the US is currently present in Venezuela and will maintain its presence until the transfer of power is carried out, but did not set a specific timeframe.
The US President also did not rule out the possibility that the US would continue to increase military engagement. "We are not afraid to deploy infantry," he said.
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine said that US forces will continue to be present in the region after large-scale airstrikes and the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro.
As of this morning, our forces have maintained a high readiness, preparing to deploy strength, self-defense and protect US interests in the region" - Mr. Caine said.
When asked about the possibility of a US military presence in Venezuela during the transition period, Mr. Trump said that the US will be present in Venezuela mainly related to oil.
We will have a presence in Venezuela related to oil because we will bring expertise. Some support may be needed, but not much," he said.
Mr. Trump said he would allow large US oil and gas corporations to take over and invest in Venezuela's energy infrastructure to "start creating money for the country", while affirming that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil is still maintained.
It is very important that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in effect. The US Fleet remains ready, and the US maintains all military options until US demands are fully met," Mr. Trump said.
According to Mr. Trump, the US will exploit a large amount of resources from the Venezuelan soil and this resource will belong to the Venezuelan people, as well as the US in the form of compensation for the damages that Washington believes has suffered.
The latest US airstrikes and the arrest of President Maduro have faced condemnation and concern from the international community.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about US military actions. In a statement released by spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the United Nations emphasized the importance of fully respecting international law and the United Nations Charter.
Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang also said on January 3 that Vietnam called on all parties to exercise restraint, dialogue, and resolve disputes and disagreements on the basis of international law, contributing to ensuring peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the region and around the world.
