Maduro from NY Prison: "We Welcome Any Path to Dialogue"

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who claims to have been "kidnapped" by the U.S. military in January and is currently detained in a New York prison, has voiced his support for dialogue between the government and the opposition. Political talks, supervised by the United States, are scheduled to commence next week, with hopes of paving the way for future elections.

Maduro conveyed his stance via his official Telegram account from his New York cell. He stated, "Talking about a national rebirth as a common goal is talking about mutual respect. We welcome any path to dialogue that contributes to strengthening peace, coexistence, and encounter among Venezuelans." This statement comes as the government and opposition announced the physical start of political consultations in Venezuela for the upcoming week, seven months after Maduro's alleged abduction.

Since Maduro's detention, his former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has been leading the country under the close observation of President Donald Trump, who has encouraged the negotiations. Many observers are optimistic that these discussions will lead to a political transition that includes elections.

However, prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently in exile in Panama, is notably absent from the list of participants. Despite calls from figures like former minister, Machado was not invited. She has distanced herself from the talks, confirming her non-participation but assuring that she will not obstruct the process.

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Talking about a national rebirth as a common goal is talking about mutual respect. We welcome any path to dialogue that contributes to strengthening peace, coexistence, and encounter among Venezuelans.