Rubio says US not at war with Venezuela, as Maduro set to appear in New York court on Monday

“We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law,” she said.

Backed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court and the military, she will be sworn in as president on Monday in Caracas, at 08:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted the US is not at war with Venezuela, after air strikes in Caracas on Saturday led to Maduro and his wife being taken into custody and transported to the US.

Some Democratic lawmakers said the operation was an “act of war”.

In an interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, Trump said of Rodríguez: “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”

He added that for Venezuela,”Regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can’t get any worse”.

Donald Trump Nicolás Maduro shown after his arrest, wearing headphones and a blindfold, grey zipped jumperDonald Trump
Trump posted a picture of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima after his arrest

On Saturday, Trump had vowed the US would “run” the country until “a safe and proper and judicious transition” was possible. Continue reading…

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