Before the operation to capture Maduro, the Vatican asked for his evacuation to Russia
According to information from The Washington Post, before the US operation in Venezuela, the Vatican urged the American administration to allow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to receive asylum in Russia.
Nicolas Maduro. Photo: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
On December 24, on the eve of Catholic Christmas, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin urgently summoned US Ambassador to the Holy See Bryan Birch to inquire about Washington's plans in Venezuela. According to sources, the cardinal wanted to prevent bloodshed and destabilization in the country and even tried to establish contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Parolin conveyed that, according to his information, Maduro was offered to leave power and gain security in Russia, where Putin allegedly guaranteed his protection. Possibilities of moving to Turkey or another country with guarantees of non-extradition to the USA were also discussed. However, Maduro and his wife rejected all offers.
According to WP sources, the Venezuelan president "did not realize the danger of his position" and refused all opportunities to escape. At the same time, on November 21, a brief phone conversation took place between Trump and Maduro, in which the US president offered him to peacefully leave the country with his family, but Maduro refused. Trump, according to the newspaper, stated that Maduro's time was up and he could choose "the easy way or the hard way."
Thus, the Vatican and the USA tried to resolve the crisis without bloodshed through dialogue and security guarantees, but all attempts were rejected by Maduro, which ultimately led to the American operation.
Comments