Venezuelan Authorities Create Panel To Handle Maduro’s Release Negotiations

According to reports, Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, has established a high-level commission to negotiate the release of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their capture by U.S. forces in Caracas.

The announcement came less than 48 hours after Maduro was detained and transferred to New York, where he is expected to face terrorism and drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court on Monday.

Rodriguez appointed National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil as co-chairs of the commission, with Information Minister Freddy Nanez also named as a member. In a separate statement on Telegram, the interim leader emphasized the importance of renewing diplomatic relations with the United States, calling for mutual respect and cooperation. “We consider it a priority to move toward a balanced and respectful relationship between the US and Venezuela,” she said, urging both nations to work on a joint cooperation agenda.

The Venezuelan military has formally recognized Rodriguez as interim president, supporting a Supreme Court ruling that granted her a 90-day transitional mandate. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez addressed the nation, calling for calm and a return to normal economic, work, and educational activities, while condemning the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s arrest as a “cowardly kidnapping.” He claimed that several members of Maduro’s security team, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed during the operation.

As of Sunday, Caracas experienced a tense calm, with many businesses closed and limited activity in public markets and pharmacies, following days of political turmoil and uncertainty after the U.S.-led intervention.