Caracaz, Jan 12: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez pledged to realise the return of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were seized by the United States on January 3.
Speaking at a community event in Miranda state on Saturday, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela’s leadership or governing program, Xinhua news agency reported.
“There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro,” she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country’s future.
Rodriguez vowed not to rest “for a single minute” until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela.
She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that “today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom.”
Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to “rescue” Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro.
US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that led to the seizure of Maduro and Flores. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.
Venezuela’s government continued a slow, closely watched process of releasing prisoners for a third consecutive day, as families gathered outside prisons in Caracas and other cities hoping for reunions.
Among those freed was Diogenes Angulo, who was released Saturday after spending more than a year in detention.
Arrested at age 17 for posting a video of an opposition protest ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Angulo described relying on faith to endure his imprisonment and expressed hope that others would soon be freed.
The government announced the releases on Thursday, calling them a goodwill gesture aimed at “seeking peace,” but officials have not specified how many detainees are eligible or provided a timeline.
The lack of transparency has left families waiting anxiously and human rights groups searching for information.