Venezuela announces start of 'diplomatic process' with United States
by Macarena Hermosilla · UPIJan. 9 (UPI) -- Venezuela said Friday it has begun an "exploratory diplomatic process" with the United States aimed at restoring diplomatic missions in both countries, according to a statement from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the talks are intended to address the consequences of what the government described as the "abduction" of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were arrested Saturday during a U.S. military operation in Venezuelan territory.
Gil reiterated comments previously made by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, saying Venezuela will respond to what it calls an act of aggression through diplomatic channels.
"Venezuela will face this aggression through diplomacy, convinced that this is the legitimate path to defend sovereignty, restore international law and preserve peace," he said.
The government confirmed that a delegation of U.S. State Department officials has arrived in Venezuela to conduct "technical and logistical evaluations related to diplomatic functions," as previously announced by Washington.
Gil also said a Venezuelan diplomatic delegation will travel to the United States to carry out corresponding duties, though he did not provide further details or a departure date.
Venezuela and the United States ended diplomatic relations in 2019, when Maduro's government announced a formal rupture after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.
At the time, the Venezuelan government ordered U.S. diplomatic personnel to leave the country, deepening a bilateral breakdown that had been building for years.