فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced on Sunday that the armed forces recognize Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president of the country for a period of 90 days, following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States and his transfer to New York.
In a statement broadcast by the media, Padrino López said the decision is based on an order issued by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela, which mandates Rodríguez to assume presidential duties on an interim basis. He called on citizens to resume normal life and return to economic, professional, and educational activities “in accordance with the constitutional process.”
In the same statement, the senior military official accused the United States of carrying out what he described as a “kidnapping operation,” alleging that U.S. forces caused the deaths of members of the security services, soldiers, and civilians during the operation. He demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
Call for Calm and Continuity of Institutions
Padrino López urged the Venezuelan people to remain calm and orderly and not to be drawn into what he termed “psychological warfare,” stressing the importance of preserving internal stability during this sensitive period. He also noted that the new National Assembly of Venezuela, elected last May, is expected to officially begin its duties on Monday.
Meanwhile, U.S. sources reported that the detained Venezuelan president, aged 63, spent his first night in a prison in Brooklyn, New York, and is expected to appear before U.S. courts alongside his wife to face charges related to what has been described as “narco-terrorism.”
U.S. Warnings and Potential Escalation
For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated in media statements that the United States intends to “lead the transitional phase” in Venezuela, noting that the military operation had been planned for months.
Trump warned of the possibility of deploying ground troops and launching a “second wave” of attacks if circumstances require, cautioning that interim president Delcy Rodríguez would “pay a higher price” if she does not “do what is required,” according to his remarks in an interview with The Atlantic.
The U.S. president described Venezuela as a “bankrupt state” living under “catastrophic conditions on all levels,” arguing that “rebuilding the country,” in his words, represents “an opportunity rather than a problem.”
Source: Fes News Media
