Anna Hartz
For years, the world watched Venezuela struggle through deep political and economic problems.
People in the country faced shortages of food and medicine. Many left to find a better life elsewhere. Foreign governments and diplomats worried that the crisis could spill over into violence.
As pressure built, leaders tried to find ways to avoid a major conflict. Some of these efforts took place quietly, behind closed doors and far from the public eye.
The Vatican Attempted to Negotiate A Peaceful Exit
Last Saturday, Nicolas Maduro was taken from power by a daring United States military operation, writes Digi24. He is now in a US prison. Before that raid, there were attempts to find a way out for him without violence. According to reports from the Washington Post, the Vatican tried to help negotiate a peaceful exit for Maduro.
On Christmas Eve, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a top diplomat for the Catholic Church, met with the US ambassador to the Vatican. He asked about America’s plans for Venezuela and urged US officials to offer Maduro a chance to leave the country.
Parolin passed along a proposal that would have let Maduro go to Russia with some of his close aides and keep some of his money. Part of that idea included a guarantee of safety from the Russian government.
Russia Offering Asylum
For several days, the cardinal also tried to reach the US Secretary of State to prevent bloodshed and instability. In those talks, Russia was said to be willing to grant asylum to Maduro. The aim was to show Maduro a path out before military force was used.
But Maduro refused the offer. He turned down all proposals to leave Venezuela and keep his freedom. People briefed on the situation said he believed he could stay in power and that the United States would not act against him.
With the diplomatic route closed, US special forces carried out a raid on January 3. They captured Maduro and his wife. The operation killed dozens of people. The couple was taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The Vatican said it was disappointed that parts of the confidential talks were made public.
Efforts to find a peaceful exit did not work. What started as a diplomatic push ended with a military mission and the fall of one of South America’s most controversial leaders.
Sources: Digi24, the Washington Post
