On Sunday, Delcy Rodriguez, the acting president of Venezuela, stated that she is tired of Washington's orders and is focused on uniting the country after the US captured former leader Nicolas Maduro.
After the US recognized Rodriguez as the interim leader of Venezuela, she is trying to maintain the loyalty of Maduro's supporters while also increasing support from the White House.
Almost a month after her appointment, Rodriguez is ramping up pressure on the American administration, particularly by offering conditions for the resumption of oil production in Venezuela.
At a meeting with oil executives in Puerto La Cruz, which was broadcast on the state television channel Venezolana de Televisión, she said: "Enough orders from Washington regarding Venezuelan politicians."
"Let Venezuelan politics resolve our internal disagreements. Our republic has paid too high a price in facing fascism and extremism."
Since Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested in early January and handed over to the US, the White House has continued to exert pressure on Venezuela.
Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro's deputy, emphasized that the US does not govern Venezuela, although she does not seek an open conflict with Washington.
After Maduro's arrest, US President Donald Trump stated that the American side "is going to manage" Venezuela, but later expressed support for Rodriguez as the interim leader.
CNN reached out to the White House for comments regarding Rodriguez's recent statements.
Aiming for Stability
For the past 25 years, oil-rich Venezuela has been in confrontation with the US. However, after Maduro's overthrow, Washington is focused on establishing a stable source of power in Caracas.
Inside the country, there are ongoing disagreements between Maduro's supporters, the leftist opposition, and "Chavistas against Maduro"—followers of the late Hugo Chavez, who condemn Maduro for betraying socialist ideals.
Days after the American attacks on Caracas in early January, the Trump administration laid out a series of demands, including severing ties with China, Iran, Russia, and Cuba, as well as a commitment to exclusive cooperation with the US in the oil sector, as reported by two senior White House officials to CNN.
Rodriguez was expected to prioritize the interests of the Trump administration and American oil companies regarding oil sales.
Oil is the main driver of Venezuela's economy. The country has the largest reserves of extra-heavy oil, the processing of which requires complex technologies, but it is compatible with American refineries.
