CIA Director John Ratcliffe Meets with Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Historic Meeting
In a significant development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez for two hours in Caracas, marking the first time a Cabinet-level official has visited the country since the US military operation to remove autocratic leader Nicolás Maduro nearly two weeks ago. The meeting was described as historic by a U.S. official, who noted that Ratcliffe delivered a message from the United States expressing its desire for an improved working relationship with Venezuela.Ratcliffe's Message: Improved Working Relationship
According to a U.S. official, Ratcliffe conveyed a warning to Rodríguez that Venezuela must stop supporting drug trafficking and cannot be a safe haven for America's adversaries, particularly narcotraffickers. The meeting also discussed potential opportunities for economic collaboration between the two countries.
Rodríguez: A Key Player in Maintaining Stability
The U.S. administration appears to view Rodríguez as more capable of maintaining stability in Venezuela in the near term, aligning with a CIA analytic assessment that modeled potential political leadership scenarios in Venezuela if Maduro were no longer president. The analysis concluded that existing Maduro-aligned officials, including Rodríguez, would be best positioned to maintain short-term stability.
Ratcliffe's Leadership Style: Less Risk-Averse
During his Senate confirmation hearings last year, Ratcliffe promised that the CIA would be less risk-averse under his leadership. The visit to Caracas reflected this approach, with Ratcliffe reportedly taking a hands-on role in the meeting and conveying a message from the United States.
The US Military Operation: A Complex Undertaking
CBS News has previously reported that the CIA had a small team operating clandestinely on the ground in Venezuela as early as August to lay the groundwork for Maduro's capture. The surprise operation involved U.S. forces dismantling and disabling Venezuela's air defense systems, deploying military personnel, and apprehending Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
International Reactions: Concerns Over Unilateral Action
The U.N. experts at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner have expressed concern over the U.S.'s unilateral action to abduct Maduro as a potential violation of international law, stating that it sets a 'dangerous precedent' and risks destabilizing the region.
The meeting between Ratcliffe and Rodríguez marks a significant development in the complex situation unfolding in Venezuela. As the U.S. administration continues to navigate its relationship with the country, it remains to be seen how this historic meeting will shape future interactions between the two nations.
