The European Union has refused to recognize Venezuela's caretaker president

A European Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday that the European Union will not recognize Venezuela's caretaker president Delcy Rodriguez, but will maintain contact with local authorities.
During a noon press briefing, Anita Hipper reiterated the EU's long-standing position that Venezuela's authorities "derive their mandate from an electoral process that did not respect the will for democratic change of the population."
Hipper emphasized that the EU supports comprehensive dialogue for a democratic transition in Venezuela, which includes all parties committed to democracy, including democratically elected opposition leaders.
She said the EU does not recognize the legal status of either Nicolas Maduro or Delcy Rodriguez, while maintaining limited relations with Venezuelan authorities to protect its interests and principles.
The statements came after Rodriguez's appointment in Venezuela and a US military operation to capture President Maduro.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently jailed in the US, where they face federal charges related to alleged narcotics smuggling and cooperation with terrorist groups.
Hipper also highlighted security concerns in the Arctic and emphasized that "regional integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law."
She added that these are principles that are key not only for the EU but for countries around the world. "We want to demonstrate our unwavering solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland," she said.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to control Greenland, an autonomous territory within Denmark, and has not ruled out doing so by military force. A day after a US military operation in Venezuela that captured Maduro, Trump on Sunday renewed his call for US control of Greenland in the interests of US security.
Several European countries, along with the EU, expressed strong support for Denmark and Greenland on Monday, rejecting the idea that the island's future could be decided by external powers and emphasizing respect for sovereignty and regional integrity.
When asked about the absence of EU institutions from a recent joint statement by the leaders of the six member states and the British Prime Minister on Greenland, the spokesperson said the EU does not usually comment on such statements immediately, but reiterated that its position on key principles "is clear."
Hipper stressed the importance of close cooperation with allies to ensure security in the Arctic region and considered cooperation with the bloc "essential" to maintain stability and support in the region.
Venezuela to transfer 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US: Trump
Washington, January 7 (UNI) US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela's interim government will transfer 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US, following last week's action that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The oil will be sold at market price and the revenue will be controlled by the US government.
Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, "I am pleased to announce that Venezuela's interim authorities will transfer high-quality, sanctioned oil to the US."
According to Trump, the sale will benefit both Venezuelan and US citizens.
He wrote, "This oil will be sold at its market price, and I, as President, will control the funds to ensure they are used for the welfare of the people of Venezuela and the US."
Trump directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to implement the plan without delay, with the oil to be transported directly to US ports by tankers.
The announcement comes days after a US military operation on Saturday that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro and his wife were taken to New York on Saturday and are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
A new indictment filed in the US District Court (Southern District of New York), shared by Attorney General Pam Bondy, alleges that Maduro led "state-sponsored groups" and facilitated narcotics trafficking in the country.
Following the operation, Trump said in a press conference that US oil companies will invest billions of dollars to restore Venezuela's deteriorating oil infrastructure.
He described the country's petroleum sector under Maduro's government as "completely failed" due to years of mismanagement.
US attempts to seize Russian oil tanker near Venezuela
Caracas, January 7 (UNI) The US has attempted to seize a Russian oil tanker, the Bella 1, near the coast of Venezuela.
According to US media reports, the Russian-flagged oil tanker, traveling from Venezuela to Europe, is being intercepted.
US media reports that Russia has sent submarines and other ships to protect its oil tanker.
Meanwhile, the US has urged Venezuela to expel secret agents from China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba.
Recall that after the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, US President Trump said that Venezuela's interim authorities will hand over 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US.