In Caracas to meet with the transitional president of Delsey Rodriguez, its director, John Ratcliffe was found according to a New York Times report citing an American official.
According to what is reported, yesterday’s meeting was held at the behest of the US president, Donald Trump, with the aim of sending a message that Washington seeks to strengthen cooperation with Caracas. Intelligence cooperation, the country’s economic stability, and the need for Venezuela to no longer serve as a “safe haven” for adversaries of the United States and drug traffickers were at the center of the talks.
The role of Rodriguez
The New York Times also notes that, during her tenure as vice president, Rodriguez had taken part in contacts with US special envoy Richard Grenell and other US officials, as part of efforts to reach an agreement that would lead President Nicolas Maduro to voluntarily step down from power. Rodriguez had previously criticized the Trump administration for “kidnapping” Maduro and called for his repatriation. However, according to officials in Washington, she is seen as a good interim leader to maintain stability.
The meeting with Ratcliffe was preceded by a phone call between Donald Trump and Rodriguez on Wednesday, with the two leaders both describing the conversation as positive.
