Venezuela's release of six American detainees follows a meeting between US Special Envoy Richard Grenell and President Nicolás Maduro. Grenell, sent by President Trump, emphasized the need for Maduro to accept the return of Venezuelans deported from the US. While Maduro expressed a desire for a "new beginning" in US-Venezuela relations, the number of Americans still imprisoned in Venezuela remains unclear, with indications that at least nine are held, often accused by the government of being terrorists or mercenaries.
"We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens. They just spoke to Donald Trump and they couldn't stop thanking him," Grenell posted on social media.
Maduro stressed the meeting had "zero agenda" and that he sought a "new beginning in bilateral relations" with the US, a government statement said.
The return of jailed US citizens was among the key issues discussed. It is not known just how many Americans are currently in Venezuelan jails, though officials there have spoken of at least nine.
"...to heed to Special Envoy Ric Grenell and to his demands and what he puts on the table, because ultimately, there will be consequences otherwise," said the US special envoy for Latin America.
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