Colombian president invites interim Venezuelan leader for talks to prevent 'further instability'

Speaking to a crowd in Bolivar Square in Bogota, Petro said: “I spoke two days ago with Delcy, the current president in Venezuela. I have known her since the beginning of this entire process. I invited her to Colombia,” referring to Rodriguez, who assumed the interim presidency with backing from the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and the military.

Petro added that he proposed a global dialogue to stabilize Venezuela and said he would raise the idea in a possible White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Petro administration would wait for Venezuelans to decide their political future before recognizing Rodriguez as interim president.

Rodriguez formally took office on Jan. 5 after being sworn in before the National Assembly, following the detention of President Nicolas Maduro during US air strikes.