Maduro insists Caracas and Washington can build new relationships based on respect and dialogue in an interview with US media.

"If there is respect between the two governments, no matter how big the US is, as well as having direct dialogue and honest information sharing, we can build new relationships. It will bring victory for all sides. Meanwhile, confrontation only leads to defeat for both sides, "Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in an interview with the Washington Post yesterday.

This is the first time he has been interviewed by US media since he unexpectedly ended the recording of Univision and expelled journalists in February 2019.

Maduro expressed his willingness to negotiate with Washington to end sanctions imposed on US President Donald Trump. He affirmed that US oil companies could reap huge profits if bilateral relations were restored.

Maduro claims he still holds power in Venezuela, arguing that his opponents have underestimated him and that the April 30, 2019 coup plan was revealed 10 days in advance. The Venezuelan president decided to allow the mutiny to take place, even encouraging loyal officials to pretend to change sides to learn the size and composition of the coup.

The Venezuelan leader said he was ready to sit down to talk with opposition leader Juan Guaido, but rejected the request to resign to form a transitional government before holding elections. "Guaido is solely responsible for losing in parliament. It's his mistake, don't blame me," Maduro added.

The Venezuelan political crisis intensified when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in January 2019 and was backed by the United States and many of its allies.

Over the past year, Guaido has conducted many activities to depose President Maduro but failed, causing the young politician to quickly lose righteous support in the Venezuelan opposition.