US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Richard Grenell, is to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday despite the tense relations between the two countries. The White House clarified that Grenell’s visit does not signify US recognition of Maduro’s government, stressing that Grenell was sent to address specific issues.
The visit has two objectives for the US, it wants to see the return of 400 members of the Tren de Aragua gang that are currently being held in US custody and to take back all the American detainees who are being held in Venezuela. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that this meeting did not signify a policy change on behalf of the US concerning Maduro, who the US does not recognize as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
At the same time, the Trump administration focuses on the Tren de Aragua gang within its general anti-gang policy, which has increased the tensions in Latin America. According to US officials, it’s non-negotiable that Venezuelan gang members deported from the US to Venezuela should be returned. Mauricio Claver-Carone, US special envoy for Latin America, agreed to this aspect.
Although the diplomatic relationship between Venezuela and the US has indeed been marred by sanctions, accusations of criminal activity, and one off diplomatic expulsions, work is being put forth by the parties to settle outstanding bilateral issues. Such matters include a possible license for US oil giant Chevron to operate in Venezuela, the release of American detainees as well as discussions regarding US immigration policies.
This meeting comes after a recent agreement between two nations after detained prisoners were released following prolonged negotiations, but the situation is still complicated since Venezuela ‘accuses detainees of terrorism and links to US intelligence agencies’.
