Delcy Rodriguez: Venezuela has the right to have relations with Russia, China, Iran and Cuba'

"The interim president, who in her latest statements has indicated that the country is entering a new political era, dedicated a significant portion of her address to honoring Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, who were captured during the U.S. operation on January 3, and to boosting the morale of the revolutionary movement following the attack. Rodriguez reaffirmed her commitment to the fundamental principles of Chavismo, the political movement founded by former president Hugo Chavez."

"Rodriguez vowed to work for the release of Maduro and Flores and asked for a minute of applause for the Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers who died in clashes with U.S. troops. Let's not be afraid of the contradiction. Let's confront it, she said, referring to the oil agreements with the United States announced by Donald Trump himself after Maduro and Flores' arrest."

Delcy Rodriguez labeled the January 3 U.S. operation an invasive aggression and a stain on bilateral relations, and said her government chose a diplomatic path to resolve the conflict. She asserted Venezuela's sovereign right to maintain diplomatic relations with China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and the United States. The annual executive performance presentation to Parliament drew foreign ambassadors, governors, and ruling party officials. Rodriguez dedicated much of her address to honoring Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, captured during the U.S. operation, and pledged to work for their release. She paid tribute to Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers killed in clashes and reaffirmed commitment to Chavismo.

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