Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Venezuela said Friday it has begun an "exploratory diplomatic process" with the United States aimed at restoring diplomatic missions in both countries, according to a statement from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the talks are intended to address the consequences of what the government described as the "abduction" of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were arrested Saturday during a U.S. military operation in Venezuelan territory.
Gil reiterated comments previously made by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, saying Venezuela will respond to what it calls an act of aggression through diplomatic channels.
"Venezuela will face this aggression through diplomacy, convinced that this is the legitimate path to defend sovereignty, restore international law and preserve peace," he said.
The government confirmed that a delegation of U.S. State Department officials has arrived in Venezuela to conduct "technical and logistical evaluations related to diplomatic functions," as previously announced by Washington.
