Trump Says Venezuela Not Ready for Elections as Rubio Nudges Talks Between Rival Politicians
U.S. President Donald Trump says Venezuela is not ready for elections and is focusing on its oil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, is nudging talks between opposing Venezuelan politicians.
Tensions over the future of democracy in Venezuela are growing as the South American country remains under U.S. watch, according to a New York Times report published on October 23.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said Venezuela is not ready for elections. His attention, by contrast, is on the country's oil.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who leads U.S. diplomacy, is taking a different emphasis. He is nudging talks between opposing Venezuelan politicians.
Two emphases in U.S. policy
Washington's approach therefore shows two strands. The president's remarks suggest elections are not an immediate priority, and his interest centers on oil. Rubio's efforts are aimed at dialogue among political forces, which could lay groundwork for democratic processes in the country.
The available excerpt of the source does not say which politicians are taking part in the talks, where they are held or what they have produced. It also gives no timetable for any vote. Those questions remain open.
