Trump says he would only meet Venezuela's Maduro to discuss exit

US President Donald Trump (left) said he would only meet with Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro to discuss his departure as the country's leader. PHOTOS: AFP

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - US President Donald Trump on Monday (June 22) walked back earlier comments that he would consider meeting Nicolas Maduro, saying he would only meet with Venezuela's president to discuss his departure as the country's leader.

"My Admin has always stood on the side of FREEDOM and LIBERTY and against the oppressive Maduro regime! I would only meet with Maduro to discuss one thing: a peaceful exit from power!" Trump tweeted.

In an interview published on Sunday, Trump said he would consider meeting Maduro and played down his earlier decision to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader.

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