Venezuela says it is in talks with US to restore diplomatic ties

Venezuela said it has launched talks with the United States on restoring diplomatic ties, days after US forces deposed Nicolas Maduro as its president.

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It was the latest sign of cooperation following the leftist leader's capture and US President Donald Trump's claim to be "in charge" of the South American country.

Officials said US diplomats were in Caracas to discuss reopening the country's embassy, while in Wash ington, Mr Trump met oil companies over his plans to access Venezuela's huge crude reserves.

The government of interim president Delcy Rodriguez "has decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the government of the United States of America, aimed at reestablishing diplomatic missions in both countries", Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement on Jan 9.

Mr John McNamara, the top US diplomat in neighbouring Colombia, and other personnel "travelled to Caracas to conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of operations", a US official said on customary condition of anonymity.

Venezuela said it would be reciprocating by sending a delegation to Washington.

Ms Rodriguez in a statement condemned "the serious, criminal, illegal and illegitimate attack" by the US and vowed: "Venezuela will continue to confront this aggression through the diplomatic route."

Earlier on Jan 9, Mr Trump said that he had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, due to prisoner releases.