Rubio is trying to defend Trump

Rubio said that Trump's actions were aimed at eliminating a major U.S. national security threat in the Western Hemisphere. He stated that this move has made the United States "more secure and more stable," and the Republican government will also cooperate with the interim authorities in Venezuela to promote stability in the country.

"We cannot turn the situation around overnight, but I believe we are making good and solid progress," Rubio said. "The current situation in Venezuela is undoubtedly better than it was four weeks ago. I also believe, hope, and expect that in three, six, or nine months, we will be in a better position than when Maduro was still in power."

He also said that the current leadership in Venezuela is cooperating with the United States and that positive results will soon be seen. However, he also withdrew his original statement that Washington would not hesitate to take further military action if the new leadership did not fully accept Trump's demands.

"I can tell you very clearly that we are not currently preparing for, nor do we plan to, nor do we expect to take any military action against Venezuela at any time," Rubio said. "Unless there is a threat that we do not currently expect, which is imminent."

He said that Venezuela will soon be allowed to sell its oil that is currently under U.S. sanctions. The related income will be used to pay for basic government services such as police and medical care. The proceeds from the oil sales will be deposited into an account controlled by the U.S. Treasury, and will be released after the U.S. approves the monthly budget submitted by Venezuela.

Congress did not restrict Trump's actions in Venezuela

Democratic members of Congress condemned Trump's measures as exceeding the scope of executive power, while most Republicans considered it a legitimate exercise of presidential power.

The Republican-led House narrowly rejected a resolution under the War Powers Act, which had originally required Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Venezuela. As Rubio said, the government insisted that despite the large-scale military buildup in the region, there are no U.S. troops stationed in Venezuela.

Democrats believed that it was imperative to pass the resolution after the U.S. military raided and arrested Maduro, and after Trump publicly stated plans to control Venezuela's oil industry for a long time.

In this operation, two citizens of Trinidad and Tobago died in a government vessel crackdown, and their families have filed a lawsuit, which is considered the first "unlawful death" case caused by this military action. Since last September, 36 strikes on vessels in the region have resulted in at least 126 deaths.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855606057490432/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.