Venezuela credits Qatar for seeking proof of life after Maduro capture

Venezuela has publicly acknowledged Qatar's role in seeking confirmation that President Nicolas Maduro was alive after his capture by US forces last week. In an official statement Friday, the Venezuelan government expressed "deep gratitude" to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his administration for their support during what Caracas described as "grave hours." The statement specifically credited Qatari leadership with assisting international efforts to obtain "proof of life" for Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Details of Qatari Assistance

According to the Venezuelan government, Qatar's emir and prime minister supported initiatives to verify the status of Maduro and Flores, who were "kidnapped in clear violation of the immunity of state that protects heads of state." This diplomatic intervention followed the January 3 US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest and extradition of the Venezuelan leader. On the same day, Qatar's Foreign Ministry had stated its readiness to assist international efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Venezuela's Appeal for Dialogue

Caracas stated it "recognizes and values" Doha's willingness to help build a "working agenda and dialogue" with the United States, grounded in principles of international law, sovereignty, and peace. The Venezuelan government framed Qatar's involvement as a gesture of "solidarity and international responsibility," reinforcing "dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect as the only legitimate paths for resolving disputes between states." This appeal underscores Venezuela's strategy of leveraging diplomatic channels to address the unprecedented situation.

Context of the US Operation

The capture of Maduro marks a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela relations. The former president and his wife were flown to New York, where they have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges. Venezuela's statement, while thanking Qatar, reiterated its position that the US operation was an illegal violation of state immunity. Qatar's mediation role highlights its continued positioning as a neutral diplomatic intermediary in complex international disputes, even amid highly charged geopolitical confrontations.