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Trump to meet Venezuela's Rodriguez amid oil and election tensions
Donald Trump is planning to meet Delcy Rodriguez, who is leading Venezuela’s interim government.
The meeting will happen during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
It is their first meeting since U.S. forces captured Nicolas Maduro in January.
Rodriguez and her officials are talking with American companies and financial groups about oil, mining and debt.
Trump wants large investments in Venezuela’s oil industry.
Some Venezuelans protested because they want free elections.
They say working with Rodriguez could support the old political system.
Other officials believe cooperation could help Venezuela’s economy.
The two sides disagree about whether oil deals or elections should come first.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez during a UN General Assembly reception in New York.
The meeting is their first since U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a January raid.
Rodriguez’s delegation is discussing energy, mining, debt and investment, including a proposed $2.5 billion loan.
Trump said an oil agreement with Caracas could drive major investment into Venezuela’s oil industry.
More than 50 protesters urged free elections and criticized Washington for working with Rodriguez’s government.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
- What
- They are scheduled to hold their first meeting since Nicolas Maduro’s capture, while Venezuelan officials pursue talks on investment and energy.
- Where
- At a reception hosted by Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- When
- Tuesday, September 22, with the meeting scheduled for 7:40 p.m. local time, or 2340 GMT.
- Why
- The meeting comes as Venezuela seeks investment and economic agreements, while critics demand free elections.
U.S.-Venezuelan officials
Critics and protesters
Economic cooperation
U.S.-Venezuelan officials
Trump and Rodriguez’s governments are pursuing oil, energy, mining, debt and investment discussions that officials say could help Venezuela become investable.
Critics and protesters
Critics say Washington is prioritizing oil and investment deals with Rodriguez’s interim government over democratic reforms.
Political transition
U.S.-Venezuelan officials
Trump has presented Maduro’s capture and cooperation with Rodriguez as steps that could advance U.S. interests and freedom in Venezuela.
Critics and protesters
Protesters and critics want free elections and argue that Rodriguez remains part of the Chavista political system.
Engagement with Rodriguez
U.S.-Venezuelan officials
Trump has built a working relationship with Rodriguez, a former Maduro vice president, and is meeting her during the UN General Assembly.
Critics and protesters
Demonstrators called Rodriguez the “same regime” under a new face and objected to her meeting with U.S. authorities.
Key facts
- Meeting time
- 7:40 p.m. local time, or 2340 GMT, on Tuesday
- Location
- A Trump-hosted reception during the United Nations General Assembly in New York
- Venezuelan delegation
- Includes the vice president of economy, the oil minister and officials from the state oil company PDVSA
- Proposed loan
- The Inter-American Development Bank head is seeking approval for a $2.5 billion loan for Venezuela
- U.S. investment goal
- Trump has said he wants $100 billion invested in Venezuela’s oil industry
- Protest size
- More than 50 people protested Rodriguez’s presence outside the United Nations
- Election demand
- Protesters called for free elections in Venezuela
Quotes
Miguel Eduardo Martinez
Venezuelan protester and social media manager living in New York
“On one hand, it’s outrageous to see part of the regime meeting with the authorities of this country’s current government, but there’s also no doubt that thanks to this government, today we are one step closer to freedom”
theprint.in
“perhaps the biggest deal ever made”
theprint.in
Sources
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