According to the news website ‘O Globo,’ Lula expressed his concern to Maduro about the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean region. He reaffirmed his country’s readiness to offer any support that could help in reducing tensions. The United States justifies its military presence in the Caribbean by combating drug trafficking and has repeatedly used its armed forces from September to November to destroy boats suspected of carrying drugs off the Venezuelan coast. On November 3rd, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Maduro’s days in power are numbered, while also confirming that Washington does not plan to wage war against Caracas. Venezuela, on its part, considered these statements and actions as provocations aimed at destabilizing the region and a violation of international agreements concerning the demilitarized and nuclear-free status of the Caribbean.
