The world remains in shock over the attack carried out by the United States on Saturday against some areas of Caracas and the neighboring states of Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira, in the northern part of the country, which led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Following the U.S. attacks, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has temporarily assumed the presidency by order of the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice.
The Donald Trump administration specified its intentions regarding Venezuelan oil on Sunday and emphasized the need for "full access" to the South American nation's oil. Marco Rubio also highlighted that the United States does not need Venezuelan oil: "We have plenty of oil," he stated. However, he reiterated that Washington does not want Venezuela's oil industry to be controlled by U.S. adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran.
Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, 17% of all proven reserves according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), mainly concentrated in the Orinoco Oil Belt. However, most of its oil is extra-heavy and requires diluents and specific technology for production and sale. This is where the United States aims to invest and introduce its technological and investment capabilities.
Switzerland orders freezing Maduro's possible assets in the Alpine country
The Swiss government ordered on Monday to freeze "immediately" the possible assets in the country of the deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to "prevent any capital flight." "Other persons linked to him" are also affected by this measure, such as his wife Cilia Flores, relatives, and former ministers, the government said in a statement, as reported by Afp.
"No member of the acting Venezuelan government is concerned," it specified. "In the event that subsequent judicial proceedings reveal that these funds are of illegal origin, Switzerland will ensure that they are returned for the benefit of the Venezuelan population," the government specified.
Maduro appears before U.S. Justice for the first time after his capture
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken to a court in New York, two days after his capture in Caracas in a bold U.S. military operation, which claims to be "in charge" of the country, as reported by Afp.
Maduro, 63, is accused of trafficking cocaine to the United States, along with his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were forcibly removed from Caracas during intense U.S. military attacks on Saturday, which included ground commandos, combat aircraft bombings, and an imposing naval force.
Detained in a jail in Brooklyn, Maduro will be presented before a judge at noon local time (17:00 GMT). Also included in the new indictment against him are his son "Nicolasito," the Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, and a fugitive drug lord.
President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday that the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela and is discussing the next steps with the new Venezuelan authorities led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez.
British Prime Minister Starmer says it is up to the U.S. to justify its actions in Venezuela
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Monday that it is up to the United States to justify its actions in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, describing the situation as "not simple," as reported by Reuters.
"What we need in Venezuela is a peaceful transition to democracy. That was our position before this weekend, and it remains our position," Starmer told reporters. "International law is the framework, the anchor, or the reference by which we judge the actions of all other governments. And, of course, it is up to the U.S. to justify the action it has taken. It is not simple. It is complicated, and there are still new developments today," he added.
Brussels calls for a transition in Venezuela that includes Corina Machado and Edmundo González
The European Commission called on Monday for a democratic transition in Venezuela that includes opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, as reported by Efe.
"The next steps are about dialogue towards a democratic transition, which must include Edmundo González and María Corina Machado," said EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper at the Commission's daily press briefing.
Macron says France does not support or approve of the "method" used to overthrow Maduro
The "method" used by the United States to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro does not have the support or approval of France, said French President Emmanuel Macron during the Council of Ministers meeting, as reported by Efe.
"We defend international law and the freedom of peoples. The method used does not have the support or approval of France," Macron declared to the French government, as stated by Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon at a press conference.
Macron has been criticized, especially from the French left, for his initial reaction, which did not mention the methods used by Washington, contrary to the principles of International Law.