Maduro remains Venezuela's 'legitimate president,' acting president says

Acting president Delcy Rodríguez said Nicolás Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader while he is being held in the U.S. on federal drug-related charges; Maduro pleaded not guilty in January.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said Nicolás Maduro remains the country's legitimate president while he is being held in the United States on federal drug-related charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty in January. Rodríguez described the U.S. operation that removed Maduro from Venezuela as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas and met Rodríguez amid talks about energy cooperation and recent changes to Venezuela's oil sector. Key facts: - Delcy Rodríguez said Maduro is the legitimate president despite his detention in the United States. - Maduro has pleaded not guilty to federal drug-related charges filed in the U.S. - Rodríguez has characterized the U.S. operation that led to Maduro's removal from Venezuela as a violation of sovereignty. - U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with Rodríguez during a visit focused on energy ties, while U.S. policy adjustments and a new Venezuelan law have opened the oil sector to private investment. Summary: Rodríguez's comments underscore an official dispute over Maduro's status as he faces charges in the United States. Diplomatic and energy discussions between U.S. and Venezuelan officials are underway, and any legal or procedural developments related to the charges are undetermined at this time.