WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt today addressed the topic of US intervention in Venezuela, military operations and possible strategic negotiations in Greenland. “This is the first time I’ve been addressing the Venezuelan theme since I returned,” said Leavitt, referring to the “historical and incredibly successful military operation and law enforcement conducted by our forces last week.” According to the spokesman, “there is no other military force in the world that could have done this, nor a president with the courage to authorize it.” “The world has noted that America has really returned, even compared to Venezuela,” he added, pointing out that the Trump administration is in close contact with the Venezuelan interim authority. To a question about US political leverage levels towards Venezuela, Leavitt explained: “We currently have a maximum leverage on interim authorities in Venezuela. The President clarified that this country, in our western hemisphere, will no longer send illegal drugs or criminal cartels that kill American citizens.” During the conference, a journalist asked whether the Venezuelan government had committed itself to delivering its oil to the United States permanently and what would happen otherwise.
Leavitt answered: “As announced by the President last night, it is an agreement between the President and the Venezuelan interim authorities. It will benefit both the American and Venezuelan people. Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy are working with the interim authorities and the private oil industry to achieve this historic energy agreement.” On the practical operation of the agreement, Leavitt clarified: “This is Venezuelan oil already stored in barrels on ships because of the quarantine imposed by the United States. The interim authorities agreed to release it, and will soon arrive in our country. The US government has already begun to market this oil on global markets with the support of major banks and commodity traders to ensure the legitimacy and integrity of the distribution of proceeds, which will be intended for the benefit of both the United States and Venezuela.” To those who asked if there was already involvement of the private sector, Leavitt confirmed that “there is great participation. Secretary Wright today is in Florida to meet leaders of the oil industry, who will also be at the White House later this week. They are absolutely eager to invest in these opportunities, and Wright is the right man to lead this project.”.
On the security of American workers in Venezuela, Leavitt said: “The President, of course, reserves the right to use US military forces if necessary, but that’s not what he wants to do. Diplomacy is always the first option. The president tried that road with Nicolßs Maduro, but it was an illegitimate dictator. Now Maduro is in prison in New York, and the president will do what is in the interest of the American people, including the protection of workers in the energy and oil industry.” To the question on which message the president intends to give to the leaders of the oil companies in the next meeting, Leavitt answered: “There will be a meeting to discuss the immense opportunities for these companies now.” On the alleged divergences of American vice-president JD Vance in politics towards Venezuela, Leavitt replied: “I saw the New Yorker report and, frankly, I laughed. It is a false article aimed at creating distrust and division. The vice president is involved in all political decisions, he is the right hand of the president on all matters, including politics towards Venezuela, and he was deeply involved in this operation.”.
Regarding the recent seizure of two oil tankers, Leavitt explained: “Beyond Bella 1, this morning Sophia was kidnapped, a stateless ship of the Venezuelan shadow fleet operating in international waters in the Caribbean Sea. The operation took place without accidents and the U.S. Coast Guard is escorting the ship to the United States for the final disposition. The crew is subject to legal proceedings and will be brought to the United States if necessary. This is part of Operation Southern Sphere, as part of the War Department’s mission to repress illegal activities in the western hemisphere.” On the protection of Venezuelan citizens and Venezuelan Americans, Leavitt said: “The fact that the president has maintained the promise to break down the illegitimate regime of Maduro should give guarantees both to the Venezuelan people and to the Venezuelan-Americans. This is a bipartisan promise long supported by both parties.” On the possibility that Venezuela cuts ties with China, Russia and Cuba, Leavitt specified: “The alleged requests were made in confidential briefings and I do not confirm or deny what was said in those locations. The administration has, however, clarified the interim authorities that the American hegemony in the Western hemisphere will continue under this president.”.
Finally, on Greenland, Leavitt said: “The acquisition of Greenland is not a new idea. Presidents since the 1800s said it would benefit American national security. The President clarified that he assessed this option as a tool to counter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic. All options are on the table, but diplomacy is always the first choice, as evidenced by attempts with Venezuela and Iran.” On the possible role of Denmark, Leavitt stated: “I have not heard the president discuss the legitimacy of Danish sovereignty. Legal issues will be assessed according to US interests.”.
– photo xp6/Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).
