Maduro reveals US talks

Secret NY sit-downs

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Thursday that he had invited a US special envoy to the country — and revealed that the official had secretly met with his foreign minister in New York even as relations between the two nations were spiraling.

The embattled leader (right) told The Associated Press that Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza extended the invitation over two secret meetings with DC-based envoy Elliott Abrams in New York.

Citing two Venezuelan officials, the AP said the New York talks were held on Jan. 26 and on Monday.

The latter meeting came four days after Abrams said the “time for dialogue with Maduro had long passed.”

The talks also came shortly after President Trump announced on Jan. 23 that the US officially recognized Maduro’s rival, Juan Guaidó, as the country’s legitimate leader.

Still, Maduro told the AP on Thursday that he hoped to meet with Abrams soon to resolve the issue.

“If he wants to meet, just tell me when, where and how, and I’ll be there,” he said.

Maduro has refused to resign and has shrugged off critics’ claims that he has imprisoned political enemies and closed democratic institutions while lining his pockets through corruption.

He added that an attack on him by two explosive-laden drones last summer in Caracas affected his decision to lead the country.

“I’m not afraid,” he told the AP. “I’m only worried about the destiny of the fatherland and of our people, our boys and girls . . . This is what gives me energy.” Venezuela has plunged into political and economic crisis, in part because the United States and other nations have recognized Guaidó as the leader.

Guaidó, the head of Venezuela’s congress, declared himself interim president on Jan. 10 and called Maduro a “tyrant.”

Hyperinflation and food shortages have also plagued the nation for years.

In Thursday’s interview, Maduro blamed Trump and US sanctions for the country’s economic crisis.

“The infected hand of Donald Trump is hurting Venezuela,” Maduro said.