WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (KUNA) -- Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez defied the United States in the wake of the US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
President Maduro is "the only legitimate president of Venezuela," and his government is still there to run the country's affairs, she said on Saturday in her first televised speech since the operation.
Condemning the US action as "flagrant aggression by colonial powers," Rodriguez stressed the importance of respect for the constitutional legitimacy.
She urged immediate release of the president and his spouse Cilia Flores. "We are ready to defend Venezuela. We are ready to defend our nation and our natural resources," Rodrigues added.
She made the comments after US President Donald J. Trump announced plans, in a press conference earlier today, for running Venezuela, particularly its oil sector. (end) amm.gb