Maduro Calls on U.S. to Abandon ‘Violent Regime Change’

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro called on Friday (5) for the United States to abandon what he described as plans for ‘violent regime change’ in his country and throughout Latin America, as tensions rise due to the U.S. military mobilization in the Caribbean. Despite the growing tensions, Maduro struck a conciliatory tone towards U.S. President Donald Trump, saying: ‘We’ve had differences, but none of the differences we’ve had and continue to have could lead to a high-impact military conflict or violence in South America and our America,’ said the Chavista leader. He added: ‘Venezuela has always been willing to dialogue, but just as we are willing to dialogue, we demand respect for our country, for our people.’ Maduro’s comments come as the United States ordered an additional 10 stealth fighters to bolster its military presence in the Caribbean.