Colombia’s Petro Hopes Dialogue with Trump Can “Stop a World War”
Colombian President’s Remarks
Colombia’s left-wing President Gustavo Petro expressed optimism on Thursday regarding a recent phstart conversation with former President Donald Trump, stating it could potentially “stop a world war.” In an interview with CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano, Petro highlighted that any aggression from the U.S. towards Colombia could lead to a civil war, describing such a policy as “dumb.” Talks between Petro and Trump took place shortly after the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
U.S. Forces Intercept Oil Tanker
In a related development, U.S. Southern Command confirmed the seizure of a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela by American forces in the Caribbean. According to officials, the operation involved the Coast Guard, supported by the Navy, to interdict the vessel Olina, reiterating that there is “no safe haven for criminals.”
Oil Industry Meeting at the White House
Later on Friday, President Trump is scheduled to meet with executives from major oil companies, including Chevron, Exxon, and ConocoPhillips. The discussion will focus on potential investment opportunities aimed at restoring the oil infrastructure in Venezuela. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is also expected to be present, along with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Pope’s Call for Respecting Venezuelans’ Rights
Pope Leo addressed the international community, urging governments to “respect the will” of the Venezuelan people and safeguard their human and civil rights. In his yearly foreign policy address to the Vatican diplomatic corps, he criticized military incursions by powerful nations and argued for a diplomatic approach emphasizing dialogue and consensus over force.
Military Operations and War Powers
In the backdrop of increasing tensions, the U.S. Senate advanced a war powers resolution aimed at restricting Trump’s ability to conduct military actions against Venezuela. This resolution, which advanced with support from five Republican senators, comes after the surprise U.S. operation to capture Maduro. Senate Democrats, including Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff, raised concerns that the military operation was primarily about securing Venezuelan oil rather than merely apprehending Maduro.
President Trump’s Response
President Trump reacted to the Senate’s actions by alleging that the resolution could jeopardize national security, labeling it unconstitutional and detrimental to presidential authority. He remarked that capturing Maduro would enable sustained U.S. control and extraction of oil from Venezuela, expressing confidence in a joint effort to rebuild the nation’s oil sector.
Upcoming Diplomatic Developments
Trump indicated that he might meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week, underscoring the U.S. commitment to supporting a transition in Venezuela. Machado has sought to strengthen her ties with Trump, dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to him and advocating for the U.S. military operation against Maduro.
Conclusion
As developments unfold, the situation regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuela remains dynamic, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations. The complexities inherent in the dialogue between Trump and leaders in Colombia and Venezuela will likely continue to shape the geopolitical landscape in the coming months.