Washington, Jan 9, (dpa/GNA) – A “second wave of attacks” on Venezuela has been called off for the time being, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, citing the release of political prisoners in the South American country.
Trump also praised positive cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the oil and gas infrastructure, after the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Madruo and his wife Cilia Flores last week after months of ramping up pressure on his authoritarian regime.
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, referring to US warships off the Venezuelan Caribbean coast.
Venezuela is releasing “large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,'” Trump wrote.
The government in Caracas had previously announced the release of numerous Venezuelan and foreign detainees, which reportedly include prominent opposition figures such as human rights activist RocĂo San Miguel.
According to Trump, major oil companies are expected to invest “at least $100 Billion Dollars” in Venezuela and a meeting with the oil companies will follow on Friday at the White House.
Trump stated that Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure should be rebuilt “in a much bigger, better, and more modern form.”
Last weekend, US soldiers arrested Maduro and his wife in Caracas and brought them to the United States, where they are being tried for drug-related offenses.
His successor, Delcy RodrĂguez, is considered a loyal supporter and has condemned the capture as a violation of international law.
The conflict between the United States and Venezuela had escalated in recent months. Since September, the US military had amassed numerous warships, fighter jets and soldiers off the coast of Venezuela.
Largest oil reserves in world, but dilapidated industry
Trump had previously laid claims to revenues from the export of Venezuelan oil.
The South American country possesses the largest oil reserves in the world, estimated at 303 billion industry-standard barrels, each containing 159 litres.
This mainly consists of heavy oil, which can only be refined with special technology: Several refineries on the US Gulf Coast are specialised in this.
Despite the enormous reserves, Venezuela’s oil industry is dilapidated: Production, at around 1.2 million barrels per day, is significantly below the level of nearly 3 million barrels 20 years ago.
Nevertheless, oil remains the country’s most important source of foreign currency. The reconstruction of the oil industry is expected to take years and require investments in the billions, according to experts.
GNA