Ankara: President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Venezuela is not yet prepared to conduct elections, while expressing his support for Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and characterizing the relationship between the United States and Venezuela as positive.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump addressed reporters at the White House, emphasizing the progress made in Venezuela. He remarked, "As far as the elections in Venezuela, they're not really ready for them yet, but a lot of progress has been made." Trump praised Delcy Rodriguez, saying, "Delcy's been doing a fantastic job, as you know."

Trump also pointed out the cooperation between the two countries in the oil sector. "The amount of oil coming out of Venezuela ... we're taking a lot," he noted. "So it's been a very good relationship."

Despite the positive developments, Trump maintained that elections should only occur when Venezuela is fully prepared. "They're not ready for the elections, but at some point they will be, and we're going to be standing there right on top of it," he stated.

The backdrop to these comments includes the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the US on January 3. This event led to significant changes in Venezuela, including the swearing-in of Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, amendments to the country's oil law, and the release of some political prisoners.