By Joy Yesufu
Venezuela’s acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced the establishment of a special commission to pursue the release of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following Maduro’s removal from power in Caracas by United States forces.
Rodríguez said the commission would be co-chaired by the President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, and Foreign Minister Yván Gil, with Information Minister Freddy Ñáñez also named as a member.
Maduro, who is accused by U.S. authorities of drug trafficking and terrorism, was arrested on Saturday and flown to New York, where he is currently in custody ahead of a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
In a message shared on Telegram, Rodríguez said Venezuela was seeking to recalibrate its relationship with Washington, stressing the need for dialogue and cooperation.
“We consider it a priority to move toward a balanced and respectful relationship between the United States and Venezuela,” she said, adding that improved relations were essential for mutual development.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military has formally recognised Rodríguez as acting president. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said the armed forces were acting in line with a Supreme Court ruling that granted her a 90-day mandate to lead the country.
He urged citizens to remain calm and return to normal activities following the U.S.-led operation that resulted in Maduro’s arrest.
“The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” Padrino said.
However, the defence minister strongly criticised the operation, describing it as a “cowardly kidnapping,” and alleged that several of Maduro’s bodyguards, as well as military personnel and civilians, were killed during the incident.
Authorities have yet to release official casualty figures.
