The President of the United States, Donald Trump, made strong statements about security in Latin America this Saturday during the regional 'Escudo de las Américas' summit held in Miami, where he also announced changes in Washington's policy towards Venezuela and Cuba. During his speech to Latin American leaders, Trump assured that Mexico is 'the epicenter of cartel violence,' stating that these criminal organizations are behind much of the bloodshed and chaos in the hemisphere. Although he praised the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, whom he described as 'a very good person,' he insisted that the United States must act firmly to eradicate the cartels, even suggesting again the possibility of bombing or sending US troops against these organizations. The president also announced the creation of a regional military coalition to combat 'narcoterrorists,' an initiative backed by nearly 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Recognition to the new government in Venezuela At the same meeting, Trump confirmed that the United States has formally recognized the new Venezuelan government headed by Delcy Rodríguez, after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas. The recognition comes after the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, following a US military intervention that led to a change in leadership in the South American country. Trump described the process as 'a historical transformation in Venezuela' and highlighted that the Department of the Treasury has already authorized certain activities of US companies related to the exploitation and marketing of Venezuelan gold, a sector that was previously sanctioned. 'Cuba is in its final moments' Regarding Cuba, the US leader stated that the current system on the island is 'in its final moments of life,' although he affirmed that the country will have 'a great new life.' Trump revealed that his administration, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is maintaining conversations with the Cuban government in search of a possible political agreement. The statements come amid an energy crisis on the island, aggravated after the cut in Venezuelan oil supplies and new economic pressures from Washington.
