US considers pardoning Nicolás Maduro to get him to leave power in Venezuela

The United States is engaged in a series of secret talks aimed at persuading Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power in exchange for a pardon and assurances against extradition. American sources disclosed this information to the Wall Street Journal. The proposal reportedly includes those closest to Maduro.

Read also: Former Venezuelan intelligence chief claims “Nicolás Maduro gives the order” to kidnap opponents

According to the newspaper, President Joe Biden’s administration has put “everything on the table” to persuade Maduro to step down before he embarks on a new six-year term beginning January 10.

The National Electoral Council proclaimed Maduro the victor of the presidential elections held on July 28, yet it did not provide any documentation to substantiate his victory. The opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), which backed Maduro’s candidacy, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia accused the government of electoral fraud and asserted that he easily won the election.

What do secret negotiations involve?

Maduro faces multiple allegations from the U.S. Justice Department. In 2020, the U.S. offered a $15 million bounty for information leading to his arrest, accusing him of saturating the U.S. with cocaine.

However, in recent months, the White House has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela to facilitate an opening that could lead to “clean and transparent” elections. Following Maduro’s disputed victory, negotiations are now occurring behind closed doors.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro greets reporters at the Supreme Court, where he arrived for a hearing related to the audit of the presidential election results in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)By: AP

Sources cited by the financial daily indicated that U.S. authorities were open to pardoning Maduro and his inner circle.

“The U.S. government has put all options on the table to encourage Maduro to leave before his term concludes in January,” a person involved in the negotiations told the newspaper.

Read also: Cuba is experiencing a migration crisis: dramatic testimonies from those who risked leaving the island

Washington’s proposal would include guarantees of non-extradition for both Maduro and key figures in the Chavista government.

The newspaper reported that the talks were conducted virtually by Jorge Rodriguez, president of the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly and a prominent figure within the Chavista government, and Daniel P. Erikson, a member of the White House National Security Council.

Simultaneously, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are engaging in diplomatic discussions to mediate the crisis that has erupted following Maduro’s controversial victory, which has led to a wave of opposition protests. More than 2,400 people have been arrested since then, and human rights organizations report that the death toll has reached 24.

Secret Negotiations Between US and Venezuela: A Closer Look at Maduro’s Future

The United States is currently involved in a series of secret conversations aimed at persuading Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power. In these negotiations, reports suggest that the U.S. is offering a pardon and assurances against extradition for Maduro and his inner circle. Revealed by American sources to the Wall Street Journal, these clandestine discussions are unfolding as the political environment in Venezuela becomes increasingly tense.

Related: Former Venezuelan intelligence chief says “Nicolás Maduro gives the order” to kidnap opponents

The Biden administration is reportedly willing to “put everything on the table” to encourage Maduro’s resignation before he officially starts a new six-year term on January 10. Despite being proclaimed the winner of the July 28 presidential elections by the National Electoral Council, his victory is vigorously contested. Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has denounced the election results, claiming widespread fraud.

The Context of Secret Negotiations

Nicolás Maduro has faced serious accusations from U.S. authorities, including drug trafficking allegations that led to a $15 million bounty for crucial information linked to his arrest. In 2020, he was accused of orchestrating a cocaine pipeline into the United States. However, recent months have seen a shift in U.S. strategy, as the White House eased sanctions on Venezuela, hoping for conditions conducive to “clean and transparent” elections.

Amid the ongoing political unrest, Washington’s offer appears to include guarantees of non-extradition for Maduro and key figures in the Chavista government. According to insider information, members of both governments have engaged in virtual discussions, notably Jorge Rodriguez, president of the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly, and Daniel P. Erikson from the White House National Security Council.

Political Ramifications and Humanitarian Concerns

This alleged plan comes at a time when Maduro’s administration is facing mounting domestic and international pressure following contested election results. The outcome has ignited widespread protests, with over 2,400 individuals reported arrested since the election. Human rights organizations have confirmed a rising death toll, currently estimated at 24 people.

What the Secret Negotiations Entail

Rumors surrounding the talks suggest a complex web of political maneuvering, with the Biden administration exploring multiple avenues to encourage a peaceful transition of power. Among the specifics reportedly under negotiation:

• Pardon Offers: The U.S. appears willing to offer legal amnesty to Maduro and his closest advisors, potentially halting any investigations or charges against them.
• Extradition Guarantees: Assurances that Maduro and key Chavista figures would not face extradition to the United States in exchange for their cooperation.
• International Support: Collaborative efforts from countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico to mediate the crisis and establish a more stable political environment in Venezuela.

Impacts on Venezuela’s Political Landscape

This clandestine effort by the U.S. government aims to bring about a significant change not just for Maduro but for Venezuela’s political landscape as a whole. The ramifications of such negotiations could potentially lead to:

• A Shift in Power Dynamics: If successful, negotiations could result in a power transition paving the way for more democratic governance.
• Humanitarian Relief: Easing tensions could open the door for international aid to reach those affected by years of economic decline and political strife.
• Regional Stability: A peaceful resolution could set a precedent in international politics, affecting how similar crises unfold in Latin America.

Challenges Ahead for Negotiators

Despite the potential benefits of these secret negotiations, numerous challenges lie ahead. Historical mistrust between the Maduro regime and U.S. administrations could impede progress. Additionally, internal opposition within Venezuela presents a significant barrier to any proposed deals, as many factions reject any notion of legitimacy for Maduro’s rule.

Recent Developments: As negotiations continue, the international community remains on alert, assessing how these discussions evolve and what implications they hold for Venezuela’s immediate future.

Conclusion

The secret negotiations between the United States and Nicolás Maduro’s regime represent a critical juncture in Venezuela’s turbulent political saga. Should these discussions lead to a successful outcome, it could herald a new era for the country, paving pathways to greater democratic governance, humanitarian relief, and overall regional stability.