Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Sunday announced the creation of a special commission aimed at securing the release of former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their removal from power by United States forces in Caracas.
Rodriguez named National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil as co-chairs of the panel, with Information Minister Freddy Nanez also appointed as a member.
Maduro, who is accused by US authorities of drug trafficking and terrorism, was detained on Saturday and flown to New York, where he is being held ahead of a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
In a separate message shared on Telegram, Rodriguez called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship between Venezuela and the United States, stressing that dialogue and cooperation were vital to mutual development.
“We consider it a priority to move toward a balanced and respectful relationship between the US and Venezuela,” she said, while inviting Washington to engage on a joint agenda for cooperation.
At the same time, Venezuela’s military formally acknowledged Rodriguez as the country’s acting president.
Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the armed forces were supporting a Supreme Court ruling that appointed her to lead the country for an initial 90-day period.
Padrino urged citizens to return to normal economic, work and educational activities following the US military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture.
“The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” he said.
However, the defence minister strongly criticised the operation, describing it as a “cowardly kidnapping,” and alleged that several of Maduro’s bodyguards, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed during the action.
Venezuelan authorities have not yet released an official casualty figure.
On Sunday, much of Caracas remained subdued, with many businesses shut and only limited activity reported at markets and pharmacies as uncertainty continued across the capital.
What you should know
Delcy Rodriguez’s appointment as interim president marks a critical turning point in Venezuela’s political crisis following the dramatic US operation that led to Nicolas Maduro’s arrest.
While the new administration is pushing for Maduro’s release and calling for dialogue with Washington, tensions remain high, especially after military leaders condemned the raid and alleged fatalities.
The formation of a special commission signals an attempt to pursue diplomatic and legal channels amid international scrutiny, while everyday life in Caracas remains disrupted by uncertainty over the country’s immediate future.
