US President Hints at Possible Talks with Maduro

President Donald Trump says the US may hold talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as attention is focused on whether Washington will launch military operations against the South American country.

On Sunday, Trump told reporters, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding, "they would like to talk." His remarks suggest that a decision on military action may hinge on the result of such talks.

Trump had earlier commented on Friday on what to do about Venezuela. At that time, he said, "I sort of made up my mind."

The Trump administration since September has repeatedly attacked what it says are drug-smuggling ships in waters off Venezuela and elsewhere as part of its policy against narcotics smuggling. Among other steps, it has also deployed an advanced US aircraft carrier to the region as it strengthens military pressure on Venezuela.

The US State Department said on Sunday that it intends to designate a Venezuela-based drug cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, strengthening the pressure on Maduro's government. It says the group is led by Maduro and other high-ranking government officials.