DistantNews
Support us
🇫🇷 France /Crime & Justice

Maduro Calls for Dialogue from U.S. Prison Ahead of Venezuelan Talks

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency In the courts
  • Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, imprisoned in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges, called for dialogue from his New York jail.
  • Maduro's statement came as Venezuela's government and opposition prepare for U.S.-supervised talks aimed at political transition and elections.
  • Key opposition figure Maria Corina Machado will not participate in the upcoming dialogue, despite U.S. encouragement for the process.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for dialogue from his New York prison, where he is being held on drug trafficking charges. In a message posted on his official Telegram account, Maduro stated, "We welcome any path of dialogue that contributes to consolidating peace, coexistence, and understanding among Venezuelans." He framed the objective as a "NATIONAL RENAISSANCE" built on mutual respect.

We welcome any path of dialogue that contributes to consolidating peace, coexistence, and understanding among Venezuelans.

— Nicolás MaduroSpeaking from his U.S. prison about the upcoming political talks.

Maduro's statement arrives as Venezuela's government and opposition are set to begin U.S.-supervised face-to-face talks next week. This process, initiated seven months after Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, is seen by many as a potential pathway toward political transition and new elections. Since Maduro's imprisonment, his former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has led the government, operating under the influence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has actively promoted the dialogue.

However, prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, currently in exile, will not be participating in the talks. Despite encouragement from various figures, including former government officials, Machado has distanced herself from the process, though she stated she would not oppose it. The U.S. government has expressed satisfaction with Rodriguez's role, but Machado's exclusion from the invitation list has been noted.

Talking about a NATIONAL RENAISSANCE as a common objective is talking about mutual respect.

— Nicolás MaduroDescribing the goal of the proposed dialogue.

Maduro's trial for drug trafficking is scheduled to begin in New York on June 1, 2027. The 63-year-old former leader faces four charges, including narcoterrorism, while his wife, Cilia Flores, faces three. Both deny the charges. The U.S. government has permitted Venezuela to pay their legal fees, a decision initially blocked by international sanctions. Upon his capture, Maduro described himself as a "prisoner of war."

I am shocked by how many women do not know where their clitoris is.

— Dr. Laura BermanDiscussing female anatomy and sexual self-awareness.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog