Venezuelas Delcy Rodriguez takes oath as countrys new president

Venezuela’s New Leader Takes Oath Amid US Involvement

Delcy Rodriguez, 56, has been formally sworn in as the leader of Venezuela following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro in a US military operation. On Monday, Rodriguez appeared before the country’s National Assembly to take her oath of office, where she reiterated her opposition to the military attack that led to Maduro’s capture.

Rodriguez stated that she comes with “pain over the kidnapping of two heroes who are being held hostage: President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.” She vowed to work tirelessly to ensure peace, spiritual, economic, and social tranquility for the Venezuelan people. Rodriguez has been serving as acting president since the early-morning attack on Saturday.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Rodriguez’s brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who is the president of the National Assembly, and Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, who held a copy of the Venezuelan Constitution. Other members of Maduro’s inner circle were also present.

Maduro faces an arraignment proceeding in a New York City courthouse, where he has been charged with four counts related to allegations of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. His allies, including Rodriguez, have denounced his abduction as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has signalled its intention to work with Rodriguez for the time being. However, Trump warned that her tenure as president could be cut short if she fails to abide by US demands. In an interview with The Atlantic magazine, Trump stated that “if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”

Source: Al Jazeera