Venezuela Shows Willingness for US Discussions on Drug Trafficking and Oil Investment

Caracas: Venezuela is open to talks with the US on cooperation to counter drug trafficking, President Nicolas Maduro said in a prerecorded interview aired Thursday on state television. Maduro expressed his readiness for dialogue, stating, 'whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.' According to Anadolu Agency, Maduro accused Washington of pursuing regime changes in Venezuela, claiming the aim is to gain control of the country's extensive oil resources through a pressure campaign. He emphasized that the US seeks to impose its will through threats, intimidation, and force. Maduro called for both nations to 'start talking seriously, with data in hand' to address these issues. Maduro further noted that the US government is aware of Venezuela's willingness to discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking. He mentioned that Venezuela has communicated this readiness to many US spokespeople, indicating an openness to serious discussions on the matter. The interview was recorded on Ne w Year's Eve, coinciding with the US military's announcement of strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. These recent attacks increase the total number of known boat strikes to 35, with at least 115 people killed, as reported by the Trump administration. Among the victims are Venezuelans. Maduro did not comment on reports of a Central Intelligence Agency-led strike last week on a Venezuelan docking area, which the Trump administration claimed was utilized by drug cartels.