"It Would Be Wise for Him to Step Down" ? Pressure Intensifies
Homeland Security Secretary Noem Also Says "Maduro Must Step Down"
President Donald Trump has issued a final ultimatum to the Nicol?s Maduro regime in Venezuela, escalating the pressure and warning that this is the "last chance to act tough."
According to the Associated Press and other sources, on the 22nd (local time), President Trump, after announcing the so-called "Golden Fleet" construction plan at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, addressed President Maduro, stating, "He can do whatever he wants," but also warning, "If he tries to do something or act tough, that will be his last chance to ever act tough again."
When asked whether the recent tightening of Venezuela's oil blockade was intended to oust President Maduro, Trump replied, "It's up to him," and added, "It would be wise for him to do so (step down voluntarily)."
President Trump declared that he had designated the Maduro regime as a "foreign terrorist organization" and announced a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. Starting with the seizure of the Skipper on the 10th, the Centuries was captured on the 20th, and the third target, the 'Bella1,' has been pursued for two days. According to the White House, this tanker is sailing under a false flag and is subject to a seizure order by U.S. judicial authorities.
Regarding the tracking of the Bella1, President Trump stated, "It is underway now, and eventually, we will secure it."
On the same day, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also commented in a Fox News interview on the maritime operation, saying, "The illegal activities Maduro is engaging in are unacceptable," and added, "He must step down, and this is to send a message to the world that we will fight for the people."
As tensions mount between the United States and Venezuela, Russia has begun evacuating the families of its diplomats from Venezuela.
Sources told the Associated Press that evacuations, including women and children, began on the 19th, and Russian Foreign Ministry officials are assessing the situation in Venezuela as "very serious."
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil stated that he held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which Lavrov expressed Russia's support for Venezuela in response to the blockade of tankers sanctioned by President Trump.
In a statement, Minister Gil said, "We reviewed the attacks and blatant violations of international law committed in the Caribbean, including attacks on ships, extrajudicial executions, and the illegal acts of piracy perpetrated by the U.S. government."
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