Venezuelan Vice President: "Our only president is Maduro... We will not become a colony"

After the U.S. airstrike on Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said that Maduro is "our only president."

Vice President Rodríguez said at an emergency cabinet meeting broadcast on Venezuelan state TV (VTV) on the afternoon of the 3rd (local time) that "President Maduro is our leader and commander-in-chief."

The meeting was held indoors with the Venezuelan flag displayed, and images also showed key ministers considered close to President Maduro, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, in attendance. The meeting location is presumed to be the capital, Caracas.

Vice President Rodríguez went on to say, "I call on the United States to release President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores," and emphasized, "Venezuela will not become any country's colony."

She said she immediately activated the National Integrated Defense Command after the U.S. airstrike and appealed that "all citizens must unite calmly for the defense of the nation." She added, "We will spare no effort to protect our natural resources and every corner of our territory."

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida following the U.S. attack on Venezuela and said that "the United States will govern Venezuela" until a stable transfer of power is achieved after President Maduro's removal.

President Trump said in that context that Vice President Rodríguez had spoken with Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, and said, "He (Rodríguez) is essentially willing to do anything he thinks is necessary to make Venezuela great again."

However, Vice President Rodríguez's remarks at the cabinet meeting directly contradict President Trump's claims, raising the possibility that Venezuela's stance toward the U.S. and political and military tensions could further escalate.

Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com