«We reject the cowardly kidnapping of the constitutional president and our commander in chief Nicolas Maduro. In compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision, we recognize the designation of Delcy Rodriguez.” This was stated by Vladimir Padrino López, head of the army and defense minister of Venezuela. Lopez then denounced the “cold-blooded” killing of Nicolas Maduro’s escort during yesterday’s American blitz to capture the president. «The armed forces of Venezuela have guaranteed democratic continuity and will continue to do so: I call the people to peace and order and to resume their economic, work and educational activities. The homeland must get back on the road.”
Maduro is probably expected in court on January 5 for his first appearance. The charges brought against him, contained in the 25-page indictment, are conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of weapons. It is not yet clear who Maduro will be legally represented by and whether the former Venezuelan leader will plead guilty or not. Or, again, whether to accept the plea deal.
If Delcy Rodriguez “does not do what is right, she will pay a very high price, probably higher than that of Maduro.” Donald Trump said this in an interview with The Atlantic, as reported by the Bloomberg agency.
Rubio: “Delcy Rodríguez is not the legitimate president of Venezuela”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes that interim President Delcy Rodríguez is not “the legitimate president of Venezuela” because the United States does not consider the regime currently in power legitimate. In one of his TV interviews, Rubio explained that he understands that today in Venezuela there are people “who are the ones who can actually make changes.” But he pointed out that this is different from recognizing the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government, which will come from a transition period and an election.