The NYT learned about the discussion of a military agreement between Venezuela and the United States

The administration of US President Donald Trump is negotiating with Venezuela to conclude an agreement that will lay the foundation for a possible long-term military presence of the United States in that country. This was reported on November 3 by The New York Times (NYT), citing American officials.

"The State Department, under the leadership of Mr. [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio, is negotiating a military agreement, the so—called Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA. — Ed.)," the publication says.

Specific details of the long-term presence of American troops in Venezuela, including their numbers and locations, will be determined during subsequent agreements. The State Department's statement notes that the agency has already concluded agreements on the status of the armed forces with more than 100 countries.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. The fact that the American government is trying to reach a similar agreement with Venezuela, a country that until recently considered the United States its enemy, is described by the publication as an exceptional event.

According to experts, the populist anti-American ideology known in Venezuela as "Chavismo" still enjoys the support of 10-20% of citizens, including representatives of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, who may become active opponents of these negotiations. Even among those who do not share such views, many Venezuelans are sensitive to what they call a "new form of Western colonialism," especially against the background of Trump's statements about his intention to take control of the country's oil resources.

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On October 27, the head of the White House said that Venezuela could join the United States as the 51st state in the future. As Trump noted, after that, instead of presidential elections, gubernatorial elections will be held on Venezuelan territory.