Speaking to reporters at Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, Maduro said cutting diplomatic relations would not affect oil trade with the US.
“IF THEY WANT, WE WILL SELL”
“We have multifaceted relations with the US,” he said. “We’ve cut off the diplomatic and political ties with the U.S. government but our other relations will continue.” Maduro added, “If they want to buy potatoes, we will sell potatoes. If they want to buy oil, we will sell oil. If they do not want to buy anything, we will not sell.”
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycott by the opposition. On Wednesday, Juan Guaido, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president.
US President Donald Trump recognized Guaido as president of the country. Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with the US and giving US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.
He has repeatedly lashed out at the US, saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.