Interim President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela announced on 25/1 that the nation would directly address its long-standing disagreements with the United States through "Bolivarian diplomacy." She made the remarks while speaking to oil workers in Anzoategui state, in the country's east.

She emphasized, "we are not afraid, because what unites our nation is ensuring peace and stability for the country."

Rodriguez also noted the increased pressure from the US on Venezuela since the operation to arrest President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

Rodriguez added, "there have been enough orders from Washington imposed on Venezuelan politicians. Let Venezuela's political sphere resolve our internal disagreements and conflicts ourselves. There has been enough interference from external forces."

Interim president of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez speaks at the parliament in the capital Caracas on 15/1. *Photo: Reuters*

On 24/1, Rodriguez called for dialogue with the opposition to achieve a peace agreement, three weeks after President Maduro's arrest.

She stated, "we must overcome political or partisan disagreements to bring peace to Venezuela. Despite conflicts, we must still sit together respectfully and cooperate to reach an agreement."

The White House has not commented on Rodriguez's statement. She was appointed Venezuela's interim leader after the US conducted an operation to arrest Maduro on 3/1 on drug-related charges. Since then, the US has launched a coordinated campaign, employing military measures, economic sanctions, an energy blockade, and increased political influence to exert pressure on Venezuela.

Washington has demanded Caracas cooperate in stabilizing the country and improving the political situation. US President Donald Trump and White House officials also announced they would control Caracas' oil sales "indefinitely," while asserting that the US "is not stealing Venezuela's oil."