Maduro says Venezuela open to talks with US, remains mum on dock attack

"Venezuela leader strikes conciliatory tone while renewing claim US wants to topple government to access vast oil reserves. Venezuela is open to negotiating a deal with the United States to combat drug trafficking, President Nicolas Maduro has said, even as he remained silent on a reported CIA-led strike on his country last week. The latest statement, made during an interview that aired on Thursday, comes as Maduro has struck a more conciliatory tone towards the US amid Washington's months-long sanctions and military pressure campaign."

"Wherever they want and whenever they want, Maduro told Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet of the idea of dialogue with the US on drug trafficking, oil and migration in an interview on state TV. He stressed that it is time for both nations to start talking seriously, with data in hand. The US government knows, because we've told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we're ready, he said."

"Still, Maduro renewed his allegations that the US is trying to topple his government and gain access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves through Washington's months-long sanctions and military pressure campaign. If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron, he added, referring to the US oil giant, which is the only major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the US."

Venezuela is open to negotiating with the United States on drug trafficking, oil and migration. A more conciliatory tone toward the United States has coincided with months-long U.S. sanctions and military pressure. More than 80 prisoners accused of protesting a disputed 2024 election outcome were released, the second such release in recent days. Allegations were renewed that the United States seeks to topple the government to gain access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Venezuela signaled readiness for U.S. investment in oil, citing Chevron as a current exporter of Venezuelan crude to the United States. Reports of a possible U.S. strike on Venezuelan soil have not been confirmed. The United States has carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats originating from Venezuela, which rights groups have decried.

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