Maduro's Eagerness For Dialogue With Trump is Nothing But a 'Charade,' Analyst Claims: 'He's Willing To Talk, But Not To Negotiate'

A political analyst who closely follows ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela claimed that the latter's authoritarian President, Nicolas Maduro, might claim he is eager to engage with Donald Trump, but he won't negotiate.

Speaking to Spanish outlet El Pais, political scientist Carmen Beatriz Fernandez said "Maduro is willing to engage in dialogue, but not to concede anything."

"For Maduro, dialogue is a charade; a photo op. He is willing to talk, but not to negotiate," she added.

Writer and academic Moises Naim agreed with the premise, telling El Pais that throughout the years, all what dialogue sessions have done is help Maduro "buy time and stabilize his power, without fulfilling the agreements he signs."

Another report on the matter claimed that even if Maduro was willing to negotiate leaving power, he is unlikely to be convinced because he could be executed by Cuban handlers.

Axios detailed that the assessment took place as President Donald Trump plans to speak directly with Maduro even as the U.S. continues its military buildup off its coast.

A U.S. official told the outlet that there are no plans to take out Maduro at the moment. "Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him — at this point. I wouldn't say never, but that's not the plan right now."

"In the meantime, we're going to blow up boats shipping drugs. We're going to stop the drug trafficking," the official added.

Tensions in the region escalated even further on Monday as the designation of the Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration accuses Maduro and top official of leading, as a terrorist organization, went into effect.

In fact, another report noted that the regime is immersed in a state of paranoia. Citing two active Venezuelan intelligence officers, the Financial Times detailed that agents are "sucking up to bosses to that they or their families don't get arrested."

"The assumption is that everyone is a traitor until they prove otherwise," one agent said. "Nobody can be trusted."

The outlet added that Maduro is also tightening his security arrangements, noting that his recent public appearances have been announced at the last minute. He has appeared in front of selected crowds and party members. It is a departure with previous scheduling, which was announced ahead of time, and he would appear along with other top officials.

Originally published on Latin Times