Marco Rubio Defends Venezuela Operation Before the Senate
Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces intense questioning from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His goal is to explain and support the Trump Administration's strategy following the January 3 action that resulted in the deposition of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Rubio describes the move as strategic and essential to safeguard U.S. security interests in the region, stating that positive progress is already being observed in the South American nation. The session unfolds with great tension, interrupted by incisive questions from opposing legislators and sporadic protests. 🏛️
No Plans for Immediate Military Action, but Options Remain
During his presentation, Secretary Rubio clarifies that no additional armed intervention in Venezuelan territory is currently contemplated or being prepared. However, he emphasizes that all alternatives remain on the table if the Maduro-led government decides not to cooperate. The ultimate goal, as he details, is to achieve stability in Venezuela, prosperity, and the ability to hold free elections. To finance this process, he explains that resources generated from oil sales, under the current sanctions regime, will be channeled into an account managed by the U.S. Treasury. These funds will be specifically allocated to cover essential services for Venezuelan citizens. 💰
Key Points of the Strategy Presented:- The operation is presented as a calculated action to destabilize a government considered a direct threat.
- It is framed within a broader foreign policy that prioritizes protecting U.S. national security in its sphere of influence.
- Sanctioned oil revenues will be used to pay for basic services in Venezuela, through an account controlled by the U.S. Treasury.
“The measure was strategic and necessary. Our goal is a stable and prosperous Venezuela that holds free elections,” declared the Secretary of State during the hearing.
Justification for a Firm Stance and Opposing Criticisms
Rubio's main defense focuses on legitimizing the operation as a deliberate move to counter an imminent threat. He insists that this decision is part of a coherent foreign policy approach aimed at securing the U.S. backyard. Meanwhile, senators from the opposing party harshly question the legality of such intervention and analyze its possible long-term effects, both for regional stability and for international law norms. ⚖️
Main Questionings During the Hearing:- The legal and constitutional basis of the operation that deposed Maduro.
- The geopolitical consequences and long-term stability for Latin America.
- The precedent set by this action in the framework of international law.
A Moment of Tension with a Touch of Irony
Amid the confrontational atmosphere that dominated the appearance, a senator introduced an ironic comment, asking if the next step to ensure hemispheric security would involve intervening in a baseball game between the Cuban and Venezuelan teams. This moment reflected the deep division and skepticism surrounding the foreign policy applied in this case. The session ended making it clear that the debate on the approach to Venezuela is far from over. 🤔