A Republican senator rejects Trump's claim that the US could “run” Venezuela. What are Washington's requirements?
A Republican is rejecting Donald Trump's claim that the United States would “rule” Venezuela, stressing that American policy is only aimed at getting the country to comply with US demands and contribute to stability in the region.
Senator Tom Cotton PHOTO: video capture X
Tom Cotton, the Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on CNN's State of the Union that “mthere are still many questions to answer” regarding the future of Venezuela, according to the guardian.
He clarified Trump's shocking claim that the US would “rule” Venezuela, explaining that the message was actually that the country's leaders would have to comply with Washington's demands and policies, without the US actually taking control of Venezuela.
“The president wants to give them a chance to turn the page on Venezuela and help America achieve its foreign policy goals there.” Cotton said.
The senator listed some of the demands of the US government.
“We want them to stop the drug trade. We want them to drive out the Iranians, the Cubans and the Islamic radicals.” he said.
“Just get back to being a normal nation that contributes to stability, order and prosperity, not just in Venezuela, but in our entire area,” Cotton added.
The senator also offered a more reserved assessment of Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, with whom Trump suggested the US could potentially work.
“We don't recognize Delcy Rodriguez as the legitimate ruler of Venezuela. I don't think we can count on her to be friendly to the United States until she proves it.” the senator also said.
We remind you that after the capture of Maduro, the Supreme Court of Venezuela confirmed Rodriguez as interim leader, a few hours after the American forces detained Maduro and his wife on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
