President Nicolás Maduro and former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa held a conversation in which they addressed the United States government’s continued attacks on the Bolivarian nation. The meeting, which took place after a review of Latin American advances between 2002 and 2014, highlighted a period of growth, reduced inequality, and greater regional integration.
During the exclusive interview on the «Conversando con Correa” (Talking with Correa) program, he explained the reason he believes is behind Washington’s aggressive stance. The Venezuelan leader stated that the US’s real interest is not drug trafficking, but rather access to Venezuela’s vast natural resources, starting with its oil:
«It’s the oil, it’s the gas. «Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves… It has the fourth largest gas reserves,» as explained the head of state. He added that the country also has one of the largest gold reserves, 30 million hectares of cultivable land, and a gigantic aquifer, in addition to its strategic geographic position.
He described the drug trafficking accusation as a «Hollywood narrative» designed to stain the image of the Republic, its leadership, and its people. He noted that this narrative coincides with direct military threats, including the deployment of warships, missiles, and a nuclear submarine.
He asserted that the US strategy seeks to militarily intimidate the country to favor the interests of the ultra right wing and imperialism: «Internally, we have defeated them on all fronts… [those groups] have disappeared,» he manifested forcefully.
To close, President Maduro emphasized that a climate of political coexistence and tolerance prevails in Venezuela, supported by successful electoral processes. He highlighted the country’s economic growth despite the Unilateral Coercive Measures, demonstrating, according to his vision, the nation’s resilience.